The Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) at Desert Regional Medical Center opened in 1990 as the Desert's first multidisciplinary cancer program. This innovative model of care brings together the core outpatient oncology services under one roof, in a comfortable and patient-friendly environment. The four-story, 49,000-square-feet centers accommodates more than 54,500 patient visits each year for screening, diagnosis and treatment, support and follow-up care. Care is coordinated by an expert team of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, gynecologic oncologists, and a 100+ support staff of cancer specialists.

In 2002, CCC launched the area's first comprehensive Thoracic Oncology Program (TOP), developed in conjunction with community primary care and specialty physicians. The major components of the TOP program include screening, treatment, clinical research, education and treatment planning. The Program facilitates formal collaboration among multiple lung cancer specialists. CCC Medical Director Elber S. Camacho, M.D., a specialist in hematology and medical oncology, heads up the core TOP team, which includes specialists in radiology, pulmonology, radiation oncology, and research. To complement these medical specialties, a dedicated thoracic surgeon joined the staff to enhance the level of surgical intervention for lung cancer at Desert Regional Medical Center. This multidisciplinary approach helps promote the development of a comprehensive treatment plan most appropriate for the needs of each individual patient.

CCC also considers outreach an important component of its program. The TOP keeps community physicians involved through thoracic tumor conferences which brings together some of the leading experts in the field. The program reaches out to the community through education programs and collaboration with local smoking cessation specialists to offer "Stop Smoking, Stay Quit!" programs. In addition, CCC's psychosocial services department provides a wide range of support and educational programs for patients and their families.

To further advance its program offerings and improve outcomes for patients, CCC is exploring opportunities to bring new minimally invasive surgical techniques and interventional pulmonology to the community.