UK Markey Cancer Center

10/31/2026

Clinical trials can be confusing; we're working on making them easier to understand.

When facing a cancer diagnosis, learning about a clinical trial for the first time can feel overwhelming. Fewer than 1 in 10 cancer patients in the U.S. join a trial, often because the process feels unfamiliar or full of medical jargon.

Thanks to a new $845,000 grant from the National Cancer Institute, researchers at the UK Markey Cancer Center are creating an interactive, game-based tool designed to help patients and families:
- Understand the basics of clinical trials before making important decisions.
- Start meaningful conversations with loved ones and care teams.
- Feel empowered and prepared if offered a research study.

We believe clear, open communication leads to better healthcare choices for every family in Kentucky.

Learn more about cancer care and research at UK HealthCare: https://bit.ly/4svKLk7

University of Kentucky researchers have received a three-year grant from the National Cancer Institute to help develop new ways for patients, caregivers and providers to communicate about clinical trial participation.

10/30/2026

Fast access to specialized care makes all the difference. Dr. Julie Lang shares how the UK Markey Comprehensive Breast Care Center is streamlining patient access and strengthening collaboration with primary care doctors.

Listen from Dr. Lang or read about the work here: https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/wellness-community/blog/uk-healthcast-future-breast-care-kentucky

Podcast series from UK HealthCare UK HealthCast is a podcast featuring interviews with UK HealthCare experts on a variety of health-related topics, …

10/29/2026

Breakthrough news in skin cancer research at Markey!

Melanoma can be tough to treat because it often learns how to "hide" from cancer drugs over time. But researchers right here at the UK Markey Cancer Center just made an exciting discovery.

They found out how melanoma cells dodge treatments and block the body’s natural immune system from fighting back. Even better? Using a drug already FDA-approved for another type of cancer, they stopped tumor growth and let immune cells get back to work.

This discovery could open the door to newer, more effective treatments.

Read the full story here:

Melanoma is one of the most difficult cancers to treat due to its resistance to targeted drug therapies. But a new study from the University of Markey Cancer Center shows that the cancer is playing offense as well as defense: In addition to forming resistance against the MAPK inhibitors that are com...

10/28/2026

Huge thank you to Kentucky Volleyball for hosting a Pink Out this weekend to raise awareness of Breast Cancer, honor patients and caregivers, recognize healthcare workers and remember those we've lost.

The Markey Breast Center showed up to support our girls in pink this week, and we felt the love. We're grateful for the partners we have in UK Athletics!

10/27/2026

World-class cancer care, right in your backyard.

When you or a loved one is facing a cancer diagnosis, getting the best possible care shouldn't mean worrying about long drives, travel expenses, or being far from family.

For 20 years, the UK Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network (MCCAN) has partnered with 20 community hospitals across Kentucky. What does that mean for you?
-Access to advanced subspecialty care and cutting-edge treatments from Kentucky’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.
-The comfort of receiving routine treatments, chemo, and follow-ups right at your local hospital from doctors you already know and trust.

We’re proud to work together to bring higher-quality cancer care close to home.

Read how MCCAN is expanding care across the Commonwealth:

In 2006, the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network launched with the goal of providing high-quality cancer care closer to home for Kentuckians. Beginning with three Kentucky community hospitals, the network has grown to 20 sites statewide, connecting medical facilities and pr...

10/21/2026

Learning about cancer prevention and care can feel overwhelming, but interactive games are helping families start important conversations together!

In this episode of Cancer Conversations, host Mindy McCulley chats with Dr. Olufunmilola Abraham from the UK College of Pharmacy about the CRoME Lab's innovative tools, including the Outsmart Cancer game.

Designed for patients, caregivers, and young people, these web and mobile games use story-driven role-play and customizable characters to make cancer education accessible, engaging, and family-friendly.

Tune in to listen and learn how to access these educational games for your family or school:

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky Guest: Olufunmilola Abraham, PhD, MS, BPharm, Department Chair and Professor, US Surgical Endowed Professor in Pharmacy Practice, Department of Pharmacy Practice a...

10/19/2026

At UK Markey Cancer Center, our doctors are leading international efforts to advance cancer care!

Dr. Patrick Hensley recently led a global team of experts to create new recommendations on how biomarker testing, like analyzing specific genetic markers or tumor DNA in the blood, can help doctors personalize bladder cancer treatment.

By identifying unique tumor characteristics, doctors can better match patients with the right targeted therapies at the right time. Over 1,200 Kentuckians are diagnosed with bladder cancer each year, and innovations like these bring us closer to more precise, effective care close to home.

Learn more about this breakthrough research and what it means for patient care:

University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center physician and researcher Patrick Hensley, M.D., led an international, multidisciplinary team of bladder cancer experts in the development of new recommendations designed to help clinicians determine when biomarker testing can meaningfully guide bladder can...

10/15/2026

Access to new treatments can make a real difference. Markey is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Kentucky, so you can find clinical trials and treatment options here that you won't find elsewhere. We have more than 300, right here close to home.

Learn more here:

As Kentucky’s NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, the UK Markey Cancer Center is equipped to provide world-class cancer care. Nationally recognized in U.S. News and World Report.

10/14/2026

Next week, Golisano Children’s at UK will host a conference for hospitals across the country aimed at reducing infant deaths caused by unsafe sleep habits.

10/14/2026

Dr. Sarah Marks, assistant professor of Family and Community Medicine, shares tips for spotting the differences between allergies and viral respiratory infections to help you choose the right treatment and prevent spreading illnesses.

As fall allergy season overlaps with cold, flu and other respiratory viruses, learn how to tell the difference between allergies and illness, when to seek treatment and how to stay healthy.

10/13/2026

Dr. Tessa London-Bounds, cardiothoracic surgeon at the UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute, explains risk factors and conditions associated with atrial fibrillation.

Learn the signs, risk factors and treatment options for AFib, a condition that affects millions of people and can have serious health consequences.

10/13/2026

Paralyzed by a car accident, Alison got a second chance at independence thanks to the extraordinary care of Dr. Chase Kluemper at UK HealthCare’s Hand Center. One of the area’s leading experts in orthopaedic hand, wrist and elbow surgery — Dr. Kluemper performed a rare procedure that restored Alison’s fine motor skills so she can care for herself again

10/12/2026

Now in its 21st year, Coffee for a Cure is able to give hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to local organizations, including Markey Cancer Center. These funds help provide treatment and care for people battling breast cancer. This Friday, Oct. 16—during Breast Cancer Awareness Month—100% of all sales from The Human Bean locations all around the country are donated to support breast cancer patients, research and education.

Stop by for your cup on Friday!

The Human Bean

10/12/2026

After being diagnosed with stage 4 small cell lung cancer, Vikki Lane faced an overwhelming prognosis and severe pain caused by widespread cancer, including metastases to her brain and bones.

Her journey took an unexpected turn when she came to the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center and gained access to a cutting-edge CAR T-cell therapy clinical trial.

10/12/2026

UK HealthCare’s Transplant Center recently performed the first kidney transplant in Kentucky and the surrounding region using a surgical robot!

10/12/2026

Thinking about a clinical trial? You probably have questions, and that's completely normal.

At Markey Cancer Center, our team will explain every detail, go over the consent document with you, and give you time to decide. You can even take it home to share with your loved ones.

Find answers to common questions here: https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/markey-cancer-center/clinical-trials/frequently-asked-questions

10/10/2026

We're proud to be the official game sponsor as Kentucky Football takes on LSU tonight. If you're in the stands, watch out for a free Big Blue Determination shirt as you cheer on the Cats!

10/09/2026

“We are thrilled to continue work to support our youth with medical conditions and their families by providing evidence-based psychoeducational materials for families and trainings for healthcare professionals.”

Research UK Golisano Children’s shares in 5-year pediatric trauma grant to support providers, families By Hilary Brown Wednesday Photo provided by UK HealthCare Brand Strategy LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 7, 2026) — The Center for Pediatric Traumatic Stress (CPTS), a collaborative of mental health exper...

10/09/2026

“The goal is to get closer to choosing the right treatment for the right patient at the right time.”

University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center physician and researcher Patrick Hensley, M.D., led an international, multidisciplinary team of bladder cancer experts in the development of new recommendations designed to help clinicians determine when biomarker testing can meaningfully guide bladder can...

10/08/2026

Big Blue Nation, help us cheer on Tucker! 💙

He’s our Lift Them Up Kid of the Game for the Cats’ matchup against LSU!

At 5 years old, Tucker has Hypoplastic Left Heart syndrome, meaning he was born with half a heart. He has bravely undergone three open heart surgeries and continues to receive ongoing care to ensure his heart is functioning well.

Tucker loves pizza, the color blue, and riding four wheelers. Come rally behind Tucker during the Kentucky Football game and be sure to cheer loudly as he leads the Cat Walk on Game Day!