Media Advisory: Join us for the 35^th Anniversary Celebration on Wednesday, November 12 at 4 pm at the Comprehensive Cancer Center on the campus of Desert Regional Medical Center, located on 1180 N. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92262. 

November 6, 2025 - Palm Springs, CA - Desert Regional Medical Center’s Comprehensive Cancer Center proudly marks 35 years of delivering advanced cancer care, pioneering research, and compassionate treatment to patients in the Coachella Valley. 

"For 35 years, our mission has been clear: to provide compassionate, advanced cancer care to every patient who walks through our doors. This year, we celebrate how far we've come—and we renew our commitment to advancing treatment, research, and healing for generations to come," said Teresa Whipple, executive director for the Comprehensive Cancer Center. 

Since opening its doors in 1990, the center has been committed to bringing world-class oncology services to the community, transforming lives through innovation and personalized care.

“For 35 years, our focus has been on treating not just the disease, but the person,” said Dr. Elber S. Camacho, medical director for the Comprehensive Cancer Center. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, and even more excited about what lies ahead as cancer care enters an age of precision and personalization.” 

This foundation paved the way for numerous milestones that have shaped cancer care in the region:

• Comprehensive Cancer Center opens at Desert Regional Medical Center, introducing the region’s first multidisciplinary approach to cancer care.
• 1995: Established the Coachella Valley’s first Surgical Oncology program
• 2000: Began participation in clinical research that contributed to the 2006 FDA approval of Herceptin, a groundbreaking breast cancer drug that has since saved countless lives.
• 2005: Provided patients early access to Yervoy (ipilimumab) through a Phase 2 clinical study. Today, Yervoy is a standard-of-care treatment for melanoma, o ering new hope for patients with this aggressive cancer.
• 2015: Celebrated the ribbon cutting of a 2,000-square-foot expansion of its La Quinta o ices at Caleo Bay, increasing patient access and enhancing care delivery.
• 2016: Installed the Coachella Valley’s first TrueBeam linear accelerator, delivering highly precise radiation therapy with improved outcomes and fewer side e ects.
• 2017 – Launches the AGENDIA clinical trial and expands its molecular diagnostics and precision oncology programs, tailoring cancer care to the unique biology of each patient.
• 2018 – First in the Valley to use SCOUT® technology to localize breast lesions for more accurate surgical resections.
• 2024 - Present – Administers the first Pluvicto therapy for advanced prostate cancer in the Coachella Valley—ushering in a new era of personalized, radioligandbased treatment.

“These milestones serve as a tribute to the dedication of our skilled team, the courage of our patients, and the support of our community,” said Whipple. 

The Comprehensive Cancer Center invites patients, families, healthcare partners, and community members to join in celebrating this important milestone throughout the year with special events, educational programs, and ongoing e orts to advance cancer care in the region.