John W. Park

John W. Park, MD, is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine and Director of Novel Therapeutics in Breast Oncology at the UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center. He holds an AB in Biochemical Sciences from Harvard College (1982) and an MD from Stanford University School of Medicine (1986). His postgraduate training includes an Internal Medicine residency at UCLA Medical Center and a Hematology/Oncology fellowship at UCSF.

Research Focus

Dr. Park's research centers on novel cancer therapeutics and biomarker discovery, with seminal work in nanoparticle/liposome technologies. He co-developed nanoliposomal irinotecan (FDA-approved in 2015) and pioneered immunoliposome drug delivery systems. His lab also specializes in circulating tumor cell (CTC) analysis for metastatic monitoring and personalized therapy.

Publication Trends

His 130+ publications (2017-2024) predominantly explore CTC dynamics, breast cancer biomarkers, and targeted therapies. Recent work emphasizes liquid biopsy applications, clinical trial outcomes (I-SPY, CALGB), and molecular heterogeneity in metastatic disease.

Awards & Recognition

• ASCO Young Investigator Award (1993-1994)
• DoD Breast Cancer Research Program Career Development Award (1994-1998)
• Top Doctor, US News & World Report
• National Merit Scholar (1977)

Grants & Leadership

As PI/Co-I on $10M+ NIH grants (1999-2023), including Brain Tumor SPORE and Breast Cancer SPORE programs. Leads therapeutic development at UCSF Cancer Center and collaborates with Genentech on antibody therapies (e.g., trastuzumab).