MUSC Hollings Cancer Center

08/06/2026

For patients with advanced head and neck cancer, the weeks after surgery can be critical. Patients who need radiation therapy should begin it within six weeks – but about half of patients nationwide miss that window.

New research in JAMA Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery from Hollings is helping to identify what keeps patients on track.

Researchers pinpointed five key care milestones between surgery and radiation that help patients begin treatment on time. The more milestones patients completed, the more likely they were to start radiation within the recommended window.

“Our first clinical trial showed that the intervention worked. This study asked why it worked,” says lead author Dr. Evan Graboyes. “Understanding those mechanisms is how we make interventions even better.”

The findings could provide cancer centers with a roadmap for better coordinating care and help more patients receive the treatment they need on time.

Read more on our website:

Work from MUSC Holllings Cancer Center pinpoints steps that cancer centers can take to ensure head and neck cancer patients move from surgery to radiation within the recommended six weeks.

08/05/2026

This recognition is about so much more than a ranking.

We’re honored to be recognized among the top 100 hospitals in the nation for cancer care and ranked #1 in South Carolina. Thank you to every patient and family who has trusted us with your care, and to the incredible team that makes it possible every day.

08/05/2026

Clinical trials help bring tomorrow's treatments to patients by advancing the science that improves cancer care. Many of today's most effective therapies exist because patients before us chose to participate in research.

As Dr. William Hawkins shares, "The advances we see today came from patients who had the courage to say 'yes' to clinical trials in the past."

If you or a loved one is facing cancer, ask your care team if a clinical trial may be an option and learn more about clinical trials at Hollings: https://bit.ly/4aYXR26

08/03/2026

Lung cancer screening may be more than a chance to detect cancer early – it may be a powerful opportunity to help someone quit smoking.

A new study from Dr. Benjamin Toll and other Hollings to***co treatment experts explored whether pairing lung cancer screening with ni****ne replacement therapy and positive smoking cessation messages could help people quit. While the simple intervention did not significantly improve quit rates, the findings offer valuable insight into how healthcare systems can integrate to***co treatment into routine care.

Researchers say the goal is to find practical, scalable approaches that help more smokers quit, improving both cancer prevention and overall health.

Read more on our website:

A trial that paired smoking cessation with lung cancer screening showed modest results but provided important lessons in building smoking cessation programs.

08/02/2026

What makes cancer breakthroughs possible? People.

A new Hollings study found that trust plays a major role in whether people are willing to participate in cancer research. People with lower levels of trust in researchers were less willing to engage in activities ranging from clinical trials to genetic testing.

Building trust through education and community engagement will be essential to advancing cancer prevention, screening and treatment.

Read more on our website:

People who have lower levels of trust in the medical community are significantly less willing to participate in cancer research.

08/01/2026

It's where data meets dialogue! Join us for one of our Cancer Conversations. This is a quarterly forum uniting cancer researchers and community health advocates across South Carolina to share emerging cancer trends, discuss local concerns, and guide future research priorities.

Our goal is to connect scientific discovery with community insight to advance cancer prevention and control throughout our state. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4qBGoBJ

07/31/2026

People with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease can develop tumors and cancers throughout their lives, making specialized care essential.

Now, as South Carolina's only VHL Clinical Care Center, Hollings is providing specialized care that spans childhood through adulthood for this rare inherited condition.

The designation means patients and families have access to coordinated, multidisciplinary care, genetic counseling and the latest treatment advances right here in South Carolina.

Read the story on our website: https://bit.ly/4yG0Lmm

MUSC Hollings Cancer Center has been recognized as a VHL clinical affiliate by the VHL Alliance, the leading patient advocacy organization for the rare inherited condition

07/30/2026

Be part of the 5th Annual MUSC Hollings Cup Regatta on September 12!

Whether you’re ready to race on the water, cheer from the spectator boat aboard the Charleston Princess, or celebrate at the evening after party, there’s a way for everyone to join the fun.

The Hollings Cup Regatta brings our community together for an unforgettable day on Charleston Harbor while raising funds help drive innovation in cancer treatment and improve outcomes for patients in South Carolina and beyond! We can’t wait to see you there!

Learn more: https://runsignup.com/Race/SC/Charleston/hollingscupregatta

Charleston Ocean Racing Association (CORA)

07/30/2026

Helping more people quit smoking ci******es remains one of the greatest opportunities to prevent cancer and save lives.

Hollings experts helped develop new recommendations from the Society for Research on Ni****ne and Tobacco's Treatment Research Network that encourage clinicians to discuss ni****ne e-ci******es alongside other evidence-based smoking cessation options when treating adults who smoke ci******es. The recommendations emphasize shared decision-making and personalized care – not a one-size-fits-all approach.

"The priority is helping people quit combustible ci******es as quickly and effectively as possible," says addiction scientist and Hollings researcher Dr. Tracy Smith.

Learn how Hollings researchers are helping translate years of to***co research into practical guidance for clinicians:

In new recommendations published in JAMA, the researchers outline how clinicians can incorporate ni****ne e-ci******es as part of patient-centered conversations about smoking cessation. The goal is not to encourage ni****ne use but to help more people to stop smoking combustible ci******es – the l...

07/29/2026

Art therapy begins soon - no art experience necessary!

This eight-week support group helps adult cancer survivors to connect, explore emotions and build relationships.

This group is free, thanks to donors to the Hollings Patient Support Fund, but space is limited so please RSVP for a spot.

Session begins Aug. 13.

Find more info at our website: https://hollingscancercenter.musc.edu/patient-care/patient-services/art-therapy