CANBI-PHD - Cancer Biology (PhD)

The Cancer Biology PhD program was established in 1978 at Stanford University. During the past four decades, the understanding of cancer has increased dramatically with the discovery of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, DNA damage and repair pathways, cell cycle regulation, angiogenesis and responses to hypoxia, and the molecular basis of metastasis, among others. In addition, parallel analysis methods, including genomic and proteomic approaches, have begun to refine and redefine the taxonomy of cancer diagnosis. This explosion of basic and clinical science has, in turn, resulted in the first successful cancer chemotherapies and immunotherapies based on knowledge of specific molecular targets. Stanford presents a unique environment to pursue interdisciplinary cancer research because the School of Medicine, the School of Humanities and Sciences, and the School of Engineering are located on a single campus, all within walking distance of one another.

Our students are not limited to a single department in choosing their research advisors. The Cancer Biology PhD program currently has approximately 65 graduate students in various basic science and clinical departments throughout the School of Medicine and School of Humanities and Sciences. A training grant from the National Cancer Institute, a branch of the United States government, supports many students.

The Cancer Biology PhD program is committed to fostering a diverse community of students. The program welcomes all individuals and strives to support them so they achieve their full potential. It values the diversity of its students because culture, socioeconomic and educational background, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, life experiences, hobbies, and interests allow the program as a group to reach a greater level of innovation in cancer research.

Learn More about Stanford Biosciences
Visit the Biosciences PhD Admissions page for detailed information on the admissions process and requirements.

The online application for Autumn 2026-27 will open in September 2025.

Any questions or concerns about the application process should be addressed to: biosciences@stanford.edu 

How To Apply

The Cancer Biology Home Program is one of fourteen Biosciences PhD programs at the School of Medicine. We welcome applications from students with various scientific backgrounds and believe that the diversity of previous experiences enriches our multidisciplinary environment.

Qualified applicants will have completed a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related fields; applicants with majors in physics, chemistry, or mathematics may be admitted on condition that they complete background training in biology during the first two years of study. Students who wish to pursue a combined MD/PhD degree will be considered for admission into the Cancer Biology Program after they have been admitted to the MD program in the School of Medicine. We invite all interested students, especially those from backgrounds underrepresented in academia, to apply. Underrepresented groups include, but are not limited to, groups constructed based on race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, mental and physical disability, first-generation undergraduate study, and socioeconomic identity. All applicants are considered equally regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual preference, disability, age, or gender.

To check your application status, click here to Visit Your Status Page.

Stanford Cancer Biology PhD Preview Weekend