UC San Diego School of Medicine has launched a new graduate programme dedicated to precision medicine in oncology. The Master of Advanced Studies in Precision Medicine Therapeutics in Oncology (PMTO) aims to equip students with the necessary skills to develop and implement personalised cancer treatments.
According to the American Cancer Society, it is anticipated that over two million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the United States by 2025, accompanied by more than 618,000 cancer-related deaths. The necessity for innovative and targeted cancer treatments has never been more pressing.
The PMTO programme is designed to prepare health care providers, researchers, and life sciences industry professionals to lead advancements in precision medicine for cancer treatment. Precision medicine, also referred to as personalised or individualised medicine, is a progressive approach that enables health care providers to tailor treatments based on the unique genetics, environment, and lifestyle of each patient.
There is an increasing demand for specialists who can utilise genetics, data science, and advanced medical technologies to deliver personalised treatments. Currently, the United States boasts nearly 100 approved precision oncology therapies; however, less than 1 in 20 cancer patients benefit from these potentially life-saving options.
Barbara Jung, M.D., associate vice chancellor and dean of the School of Medicine, remarked, “UC San Diego School of Medicine is at the forefront of groundbreaking research that is transforming health care delivery. The excellence of our world-class scientists, combined with our interdisciplinary educational approach, will position graduates of this new programme as leaders in precision medicine, driving breakthroughs in cancer research and enhancing patient outcomes.”
The PMTO curriculum will delve into the latest advancements in genomics, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven actionable genomic targets, along with various clinical applications in oncology. Students will gain insights into the scientific, clinical, and business dimensions of precision medicine by learning from leading experts at UC San Diego’s Moores Cancer Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and the School of Medicine, as well as guest faculty from the life sciences sector.
The Master’s programme is particularly suited for:
- Health care professionals aiming to specialise in precision oncology.
- Researchers interested in AI applications in oncology, genomics, diagnostics, and therapeutic methodologies.
- Industry professionals engaged in drug development, clinical trials, and health care policy.
Williams Ettouati, Pharm.D., associate clinical professor in Health Sciences and managing PMTO programme director, stated, “This programme will furnish students with the specialised knowledge and competencies to become vital contributors in the rapidly evolving field of personalised cancer treatment. Our programme offers a direct pathway to impactful careers centred on developing and implementing the next generation of cancer therapies, ultimately benefiting patients and influencing the future of oncology treatment.”
Upon completion, graduates will possess the skills required to excel in various sectors, including health care, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, research, bioinformatics, and tech startups. Career opportunities may encompass:
- Developing targeted cancer therapies and managing precision medicine clinical trials.
- Utilising bioinformatics and genomics to identify disease patterns and treatment responses.
- Employing AI and data science to enhance personalised medicine and improve health outcomes.
- Launching biotech startups focused on innovative solutions for personalised cancer treatment.
The PMTO programme is available for full-time completion in nine months or part-time over 18 months, offered on the UC San Diego campus. Applications for the inaugural class, commencing in Fall 2026, are anticipated to open in September 2025.
Scott Lippman, M.D., distinguished professor of medicine and academic programme director for PMTO, expressed, “We invite talented and motivated individuals to apply to this programme and join the next generation of leaders in cancer therapeutics. We are eager to welcome our first cohort of students and anticipate their contributions to the evolution of precision medicine.”
For further information regarding the Master of Advanced Studies in Precision Medicine Therapeutics in Oncology programme, please visit pmto.ucsd.edu.