Dr. Dennis J. Slamon

Dr. Dennis J. Slamon serves as Director of Clinical/Translational Research at UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, where he leads a precision oncology team specializing in breast cancer and molecularly defined tumors. In weekly multidisciplinary tumor boards, he convenes medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, genetic counselors, dietitians, and social workers to craft unified, evidence-based treatment plans. Imaging, cardiac history, family logistics, and genomic findings are reviewed side by side to guide personalized recommendations. Nurse navigators promptly follow up with patients in clear, accessible language, while financial counselors and supportive care teams address real-world barriers to treatment. Through secure communication portals, referring physicians stay informed and engaged. Patients searching “UCLA breast cancer specialist,” “HER2-positive expert,” or “integrated oncology care” will find reassurance in Dr. Slamon’s collaborative, whole-person approach to treatment planning.

Dr. Slamon’s groundbreaking discovery that HER2 overexpression drives an aggressive subtype of breast cancer paved the way for trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody that transformed outcomes for HER2-positive patients. He subsequently helped pioneer the clinical use of CDK4/6 inhibitors combined with endocrine therapy, prolonging disease control in hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. His research lab continues to profile tumor resistance pathways using tissue biopsies, ctDNA, and patient-reported outcomes. Real-time data integration enables dynamic treatment adjustments based on molecular evolution rather than fixed protocols. As principal investigator on multiple translational studies, Dr. Slamon ensures that therapies are matched to tumor biology rather than statistical averages. Patients looking for “targeted therapy UCLA,” “clinical trials HER2 breast cancer,” or “CDK4/6 inhibitor research” will find his leadership at the forefront of precision medicine.

Dedicated to education and public outreach, Dr. Slamon serves as President of Translational Research In Oncology United States and mentors rising physician-scientists in ethics, bioinformatics, and compassionate communication. He hosts bilingual podcasts explaining genetic testing and clinical trials, demystifying research participation for diverse communities. Through community forums in churches, libraries, and virtual platforms, he answers questions about screening, fertility preservation, and survivorship care. He also serves on national guideline committees for HER2-positive and endocrine-resistant breast cancer, accelerating the adoption of breakthrough therapies into routine practice. For those searching “breast cancer trials UCLA,” “genetic testing education,” or “HER2 treatment updates,” Dr. Slamon’s dual commitment to science and accessibility ensures that innovation translates into impact—locally and globally.