VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center

06/03/2026

The 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting has officially wrapped up in Chicago, and VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center was proud to be at the forefront of cutting-edge clinical oncology.

With our team represented on more than 30 poster presentations and abstracts, Massey researchers shared vital findings on the global stage. Our featured breakthroughs spanned multiple disciplines, including the impact of GLP-1 use on cancer outcomes, innovative microbiome modulation therapies for metastatic colorectal cancer, and advanced strategies to overcome immunotherapy resistance in solid tumors.

"To see the work of Massey researchers presented on this international stage not only reinforces our caliber as a research organization, but also provides incredible opportunities for collaboration and learning which we can then bring back to our catchment area," shared Monica L. Baskin, Ph.D., Massey's interim director.

Thank you to all of our incredible clinicians, researchers, and partners who represented us this week. Read the full recap of our presentations and abstracts here:

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center continued to be at the forefront for high-impact, cutting-edge research with a strong presence at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago from May 29-June 2.

06/02/2026

Katherine Tossas, PhD, MS, Director of Catchment Area Data Analytics at Massey, reflects on the incredible evolution of the Virginia Public Health Summit on Cancer.

What started as a simple gathering of health district directors has grown into a massive statewide community. Today, it brings together local health departments, community-based organizations, and national representatives, all sitting at one table with a shared goal: to collaboratively improve the health of all Virginians.

Check it out!

06/02/2026

The final session of the Virginia Public Health Summit on Cancer focused on action, strategy, and sustainable collaboration to move the needle on cancer care.

Dr. Brian Castrucci shared critical strategies for the future of public health, emphasizing the need to communicate more effectively, reframe individual blame to structural root issues, and upskill our workforce.

In the closing remarks, Dr. Susan Fischer Davis, MD, reminded us that our richest resource will always be our community. Reflecting on the impact of the summit, outgoing Massey director Robert A. Winn, MD, shared a powerful final takeaway from his time working alongside the health department: "They have taught me that cancer is public health."

Thank you to everyone who joined us today to help turn community priorities into practical action across the Commonwealth!

06/02/2026

"There aren’t many summits like this."

Virginia State Health Commissioner Cameron Webb, MD, JD, highlighted why bringing together leading researchers, clinicians, and public health advocates from across the Commonwealth is so critical.

When these groups collaborate in the same room, it creates the perfect environment for the innovation and creative problem solving needed to determine what's next for cancer prevention.

Check it out!

06/02/2026

At the Virginia Public Health Summit on Cancer, Richmond Mayor Danny Avula, MD, MPH, emphasized that true cancer prevention means moving upstream, uniting clinical expertise and public health to meet people directly in their communities.

Check it out!

06/02/2026

Our sessions shifted the focus to practical action, proving that "public health grit" and community rooted solutions are key to advancing equitable care.

Discussions highlighted scalable models designed to meet people exactly where they are. Dr. Marcie Wright shared how the AECC Care Coordination Model unites hospitals and patient navigators to solve local access barriers, while Dr. Arnethea Sutton detailed how Massey’s faith-based initiatives partner with local churches to deliver tailored health data directly to congregations.

Taking care beyond clinic walls remained the central theme. Tiffany Stewart highlighted the DARES Initiative, which leverages VCU partnerships to improve colorectal cancer screening and follow-up care in high mortality areas like Petersburg, Hopewell, and Prince Edward County. Shanteny Jackson then introduced the "Public Health Remix," a program empowering existing Community Health Workers as Lung Health Ambassadors to serve as trusted bridges to care in high-risk communities.

The takeaway is clear: small, localized investments in trusted community voices produce massive wins for public health. Stay tuned for more!

06/02/2026

Live update from the Virginia Public Health Summit on Cancer!

With 233 leaders representing 30 health districts gathered today, the morning sessions made one thing clear: moving from community priorities to practical action requires a united team.

State leaders, including Deputy Secretary of Health Lauryn Walker, RN, PhD, and State Health Commissioner Cameron Webb, M.D., emphasized that public health is a long game, one rooted in preventing future diagnoses by addressing chronic disease and ensuring communities feel valued long before an ask is made. Former commissioner Norm Oliver, MD, MA, built on this, reminding the room that true prevention means improving the conditions where people "work, play, and pray."

Bringing municipal public health and cancer centers to "one big table" is where the real impact happens. As Richmond Mayor Danny Avula and RHHD Director Elaine Perry, MD, noted, this collaboration allows us to align different resource worlds around strategies we know work. Reflecting on the 34% drop in cancer death rates since 1991, outgoing Massey director Robert A. Winn, MD, summed up the morning perfectly: "That happened because of a team" and "doing the ordinary really well."

We are successfully shifting from conversation to action. Stay tuned as we head into the other sessions!

06/02/2026

Inspired to make an impact beyond a digital screen, Keith Jones, social media manager at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, channels his skills by volunteering as a certified wilderness search and rescue first responder with the Blue Ridge Mountain Rescue Group.

In the same way that he has to stay alert for contingencies on social media, Keith must consistently be on standby to find people who may be hurt on the trail.

"Being lost is scary, confronting cancer is absolutely scary. I want to be a physical, emotional and informational resource for people," Keith said. "Whatever I do, I want it to be for something greater than just myself.”

This is his story: https://bit.ly/3Pxcp1q 🥾🌲

Photos 1 and 4 by Chris Tranchina, VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center.

06/01/2026

May was Cancer Research Month, and though it's over, our mission continues today, tomorrow, and every day until we find a cure.

Every single day, our team of dedicated researchers, clinicians, and staff are hard at work translating complex laboratory discoveries into life-saving treatments at the bedside. From understanding the molecular drivers of disease to launching innovative clinical trials, we are relentlessly focused on one goal: improving outcomes and saving lives in our communities and beyond.

Learn more about the groundbreaking clinical trials and translational research happening right now at Massey: https://www.masseycancercenter.org/news/2026/national-cancer-research-month/

05/29/2026

As we wrap up Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month and head into the warmest months of the year, it’s the perfect time to build healthy habits for protecting your body's largest organ. More than six million people are diagnosed with skin cancer every year. While it is highly treatable, survival outcomes heavily depend on early detection.

We sat down with Mohammed Dany, MD, PhD, a cutaneous oncologist and director of Mohs and dermatologic surgery at VCU Health, to break down the essentials of skin health.

Read our full Q and A with Dr. Dany to learn more about different types of skin cancer and how to protect yourself: https://www.masseycancercenter.org/news/2026/melanoma--skin-cancer-awareness-month-protecting-and-treating-the-largest-organ/