Personalized Cancer Treatments
At Cancer Center of Southern California, we believe you deserve access to the best cancer care, even when standard treatments or clinical trials aren’t working. That’s why we offer personalized approaches, including single-subject INDs (Investigational New Drugs) and off-label drug use, which allow you to receive therapies not yet widely available.
Our team works to identify cancer treatments tailored to your unique needs. Our goal is to give you renewed hope, carefully and transparently.
Our Unique Approach to Finding Hope
Many of our patients are referred to us after they have been told by other oncologists that there are no remaining options available. At the Cancer Center of Southern California, we specialize in personalized, cutting-edge cancer care for patients who still want to pursue treatment. We go further to find the best of what’s possible in medicine.
We believe in a whole-body approach to treating cancer, focusing on improving your quality of life and the impact of treatment, not just on outcomes.
Advanced Therapies & Investigational Options
For patients who have exhausted standard treatments or are not eligible for traditional clinical trials, we can provide access to novel therapies.
There are times when patients don't have standard treatments available and are not eligible for clinical trials. In these cases, we can help you apply to the FDA for compassionate use or a single-subject Investigational New Drug (IND). This allows you to receive medications that are still being studied but have shown promise in treating certain cancers.
In some cases, medications already approved for one type of cancer may have scientific evidence of effectiveness against another type of cancer. This is known as off-label use and is a legally valid option in oncology when standard options are exhausted. We only recommend off-label treatments when there is strong scientific evidence to support their effectiveness.
If either pathway is appropriate for you, our oncologists will carefully review your case and handle the application process from start to finish, including FDA and manufacturer approvals.
We are committed to providing these non-standard therapies with careful oversight, complete transparency, and unwavering respect for your values, preferences, and quality of life.
What to Expect
Here’s what you can expect from the process.
- Our oncologists review your medical history, imaging, prior therapies, and overall health to assess eligibility.
- If single-subject IND or expanded access seems viable, we manage FDA / IRB paperwork, manufacturer or sponsor requests, and compliance.
- For off-label use, we examine clinical studies, safety data, and whether your situation is similar to the evidence sets.
- We explain the benefits, potential side effects, uncertainties, costs, and what is not known. You make the decision after being fully informed.
- Close tracking of response, safety, and decisions about changing or stopping treatment as needed.
Insurance & Financial Assistance
We understand that off-label or investigational treatments are not always covered by insurance, and the financial side of care can feel stressful. Our dedicated insurance team assists patients in sponsored treatments from pharmaceutical companies when insurance coverage is denied.
Support options may include:
We help you understand your coverage and available options.
We work with pharmaceutical companies to apply for programs that may provide free treatments if insurance coverage is denied.
We assist with paperwork to reduce the stress of navigating complex processes.
For clinical trial participants, travel or related costs may sometimes be covered by sponsors.
Multidisciplinary Approach to Your Care
At the Cancer Center of Southern California, your treatment plan is designed by a team of experts. Our founder, Dr. Sant Chawla, is a clinical oncology researcher with deep experience in INDs and compassionate use programs. Dr. Chawla and the rest of our oncology team collaborate with pathologists, radiologists, pharmacists, and surgeons to create a personalized strategy for every patient.
They ensure every decision is data-driven and focused on achieving the best possible outcome. Even if a standard clinical trial isn’t right for you, we provide access to cutting-edge treatment paths that are grounded in evidence and data.
Get Started Today
If standard treatments haven’t worked or clinical trials aren’t an option, our team will explore every possible pathway to better care and design a treatment plan tailored to your health needs and personal goals.
For appointments, please call us at 310-552-9999 or request an appointment online.
