Oncology

Jennifer Pietenpol, Ingram Professor of Cancer Research and professor of biochemistry, is the 2024 recipient of the Science of Oncology Award, which is presented annually to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to basic or translational research in cancer. Read More

The Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation has awarded a three-year grant to support research led by Houra Merrikh, PhD, professor of Biochemistry, and Ben Ho Park, MD, PhD, the Benjamin F. Byrd Jr. Professor of Oncology and director of Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, to create an anti-evolution drug to reduce the capacity of cancer cells to develop resistance. Read More

Melanoma is the fifth most-common type of cancer in the U.S., and according to the American Cancer Society, about half of patients with malignant melanoma have mutations of the BRAF gene. Identification of potential tumor biomarkers such as SOX10 can help physicians better predict outcomes for their patients.  Read More

Vanderbilt professors Sheila Ridner and Barbara Murphy have contributed to the development of a first-of-its-kind device to treat head and neck lymphedema, a chronic disease common after cancer treatment that causes fluid buildup in the body and can complicate normal functions. Read More

Following decades of worldwide research standstills on cancer drug improvement, Steven Townsend and his team of researchers synthesize cancer therapeutics that bypass toxicity aimed at heart health. Est. reading time: 2.5 minutes. Read More

With the peak of summer approaching, Vanderbilt researchers will discuss innovative research on melanoma and how new insights could lead to less toxic treatments and better outcomes for patients. “Toward a Cure for Melanoma” will take place on Tuesday, July 27, at noon CT. Read More

Dr. Levi Garraway, senior vice president for global development and medical affairs for Lilly Oncology, will present the 16th annual Levi Watkins Jr., M.D., Lecture Oct. 10. Read More

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) has been named to the 2016 Becker’s Hospital Review list of 100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs. The annual list recognizes organizations leading the nation in cancer care. Read More

1,165 budding programmers are participating in the university’s first MOOC capstone project – one that will result in a certificate for graduates and better pain management for patients at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Read More

Patrick Grohar came to Vanderbilt in January from the National Cancer Institute, bringing with him his passions and self-motivation for lab-based work. His research focuses on drug discovery in pediatric sarcomas, cancers that develop in bone and soft tissues. Read More

Executives with Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation in Memphis, Tenn., and Vanderbilt University Medical Center today announced an academic affiliation agreement — paving the way for new clinical research and academic education opportunities that are designed to enhance cancer programs. The new affiliation establishes a framework… Read More

New space on the 10th floor of the Critical Care Tower is allowing the myelosuppression unit to increase its number of available beds. (Photo by Susan Urmy) The 10th floor of Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Critical Care Tower, housing a new myelosuppression unit, will open Oct. 27. Read More

A protein associated with aggressive breast cancers may also influence resistance of lung cancer to targeted therapies. Read More

New details on the DNA-cutting activity of topoisomerase II, a target of anti-cancer drugs, could lead to better chemotherapeutic agents. Read More

Investigators from Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and 12 other centers in the United States and Australia have found that a new drug for patients with metastatic melanoma nearly doubled median overall survival. Read More

Providing increased mentorship, research opportunities and a nurturing, intellectual environment during fellowship training may help reduce a projected shortage of academic hematologists and oncologists. Read More

Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that infects half of the world’s population and increases the risk for stomach cancer, appears to impair nutrient absorption. Read More

Blocking a certain protein during radiation to treat brain cancers could protect the brain’s thinking powers. Read More

Art, food, culture and adventure await you on Vanderbilt's campus. Read More