OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center

08/24/2026

We're proud to share Dr. Abdul Rafeh Naqash was recently selected to the highly competitive American Society of Clinical Oncology Leadership Development Program.

Dr. Naqash, who also serves as Senior Associate Director for AI and Data Science at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, joins an elite class of future leaders in cancer care who will further develop leadership skills, mentorship connections, and national collaboration opportunities.

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08/21/2026

We’re proud to announce that four of our services were selected as winners and nearly a dozen other specialties placed as top-three finalists for The Oklahoman's 2026 Community’s Choice Awards!

🏆 Best Cancer Center – OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center
🏆 Best Children's Hospital – Oklahoma Children's OU Health
🏆 Best Weight Loss Clinic – OU Health Weight Loss Clinic
🏆 Best Cosmetic Surgery Clinic – OU Health Cosmetic Surgery Clinic

As Oklahoma’s first and only comprehensive academic health system, OU Health is dedicated to delivering world-class care and improving the health of our state through research, education, and compassionate patient care. We are honored to be voted as the destination of choice and trusted by the communities we serve.

08/13/2026

Could a simple lung screening help catch cancer earlier?

If you've smoked in the past or currently smoke, you may qualify for a low-dose CT lung screening that can detect lung cancer before symptoms appear.

On Aug. 15, our team at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center is hosting a Lung Cancer Screening Day to offer an opportunity to learn whether you're eligible, connect with to***co cessation resources, and potentially complete your screening during the event.

Early detection saves lives, and knowing your risk is the first step.

08/12/2026

NEWS: Surendra Shukla, Ph.D., assistant professor of oncology science in the OU College of Medicine and research member of OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, has received a five-year, $2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to investigate how pancreatic cancer uses cholesterol to survive chemotherapy.

By uncovering how tumors use this essential nutrient to grow and evade treatment, the research could identify new ways to treat one of the deadliest forms of cancer.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4qdlLNv

08/06/2026

A new clinical trial led by The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine professor of hematology-oncology Dr. Muhammad Furqan, Associate Director of Clinical Research at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, is aiming to improve outcomes for patients with early-stage lung cancer.

As Dr. Furqan recently shared with KFOR-TV, the national Phase 3 study is testing whether an immunotherapy drug can help reduce the risk of cancer returning after surgery in patients with stage I lung cancer.

The trial, run through The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology, will enroll 336 patients across the U.S., comparing one year of immunotherapy to standard post-surgical surveillance. Researchers will follow outcomes for up to six years, with the goal of targeting and eliminating remaining microscopic disease that can lead to recurrence.

Enrollment is expected to begin soon, an especially important step in Oklahoma, where lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related death.

Watch the full story on KFOR: https://brnw.ch/21x4Jk4

07/20/2026

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center is incredibly grateful to our local Subaru of America, Inc. partner, Cavender Subaru of Norman, and the Oklahoma chapter of Blood Cancer United for once again sharing comfort, hope and encouragement with our patients.

Through their generous donation of 80 custom blankets, 50 patient care kits and handwritten messages of hope, patients receiving care at Stephenson Cancer Center at Norman Regional will feel supported every step of their cancer journey.

This year’s patient care kits include resources and thoughtful items designed to bring comfort during treatment.

Thank you to Cavender Subaru of Norman and Blood Cancer United for helping us create moments of warmth, kindness and community for our patients when they need it most.

07/17/2026

Nearly four years after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma, Mark Adair celebrated a milestone he never stopped believing was possible.

Featured in a recent KOTV - News On 6 story, Mark rang the bell at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center at Hillcrest, fulfilling a promise he made to his wife of 35 years before her passing. After his cancer returned and standard treatments were no longer effective, Mark received advanced CAR-T cell therapy at Stephenson Cancer Center in Oklahoma City before continuing follow-up care closer to home in Tulsa.

His journey reflects the power of bringing leading-edge cancer care closer to where patients live, making it easier for more Oklahomans to access innovative treatments while staying connected to their families and support systems.

Watch Mark’s inspiring story and learn how advanced cancer therapies at OU Health helped him reach this remarkable milestone:

Mark Adair rang the bell after a nearly four-year fight with multiple myeloma, using CAR-T therapy in Oklahoma City. That treatment is coming to Tulsa's new Stephenson Cancer Center when it opens in 2028.

07/07/2026

We're grateful to share that the William S. Smith Charitable Trust has made a generous gift to support the expansion of OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center in Tulsa, helping bring more advanced cancer care, research and clinical trial opportunities closer to home for patients across northeastern Oklahoma.

As Oklahoma's only National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Center, we're committed to ensuring more Oklahomans can access high-quality cancer care in their own communities. Tulsa's new facility will expand access to cancer services, imaging, radiation therapy and clinical trials while strengthening research and innovation for generations to come.

This gift represents a shared commitment to improving the lives of patients and families throughout our state, and we're honored by the trust and support of the William S. Smith Charitable Trust. Join us in thanking the William S. Smith Charitable Trust for helping shape the future of cancer care in Oklahoma.

07/06/2026

A multiple myeloma diagnosis doesn’t always mean putting travel plans on hold.

According to Shannon Collins R.N., transplant and cellular therapy program manager at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, many people with multiple myeloma can travel safely when their condition is stable and plans are made with their care team.

Before heading out, discuss your itinerary, treatment schedule, blood counts, and overall health with your provider. It’s also important to plan ahead by identifying nearby medical facilities, knowing when to seek urgent care, and staying connected with your healthcare team while away.

With thoughtful preparation and personalized guidance, patients can continue enjoying meaningful experiences — including travel — while prioritizing their health and safety. Learn more about traveling with multiple myeloma and helpful tips to plan ahead: https://brnw.ch/21x3UiP

06/26/2026

For Men's Health Awareness Month, we're encouraging men to take an active role in their health through routine screenings and preventive care.

Adam Alexander, Ph.D., a health disparities researcher at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, recently joined prostate cancer survivor Curtis Murray on KOCO 5 News to discuss the importance of early detection, knowing your family history and recognizing that serious health conditions often develop before symptoms appear.

Curtis shared his personal journey with prostate cancer and a message for other men: don't wait. Regular screenings can save lives, and the support of family members can make a meaningful difference in encouraging healthy habits and preventive care.

This Men’s Health Awareness Month, make your health a priority by scheduling recommended screenings, talking with your provider and encouraging the men in your life to do the same — because early action can make all the difference. Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x3G36