Huntsman Cancer Institute

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Salt Lake City, UT
Huntsman Cancer Institute

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Part of University of Utah Health, we are the Mountain West’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

On the leading edge of research and care, we proudly serve patients in Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Wyoming, and beyond.

11/05/2026

At 21, Dr. David Gaffney was diagnosed with lymphoma, and his life changed in an instant. He had to leave college, return home, and begin treatment. That experience also helped shape the path he would take for the rest of his life.

More than 40 years later, Dr. Gaffney brings the perspective of a cancer survivor to the patients and families he serves. As our interim senior director of clinical research, he understands the fear and uncertainty a diagnosis can bring. He also sees the hope that research continues to create.

“Every advance in research and every patient who participates in a clinical trial helps us move closer to a world without cancer,” he writes.

We are grateful for Dr. Gaffney’s compassionate leadership and for the clinical and research teams who work each day to help people live longer, healthier lives.

Read his Letter of Hope through the link below.

11/05/2026

When Dave Harrison’s colon cancer returned in his liver three years after his initial diagnosis, his care team recommended complex liver surgery. The only complication? The incoming surgical oncologist, Dr. T. Clark Gamblin, who would not arrive in Utah for several months.

Dave and his wife decided to wait.

“When he walked into the room with confidence and empathy, we knew it was the right decision,” Dave says. “It was definitely well worth the wait.”

After surgery, Dave began to regain the energy he had been missing. He could spend more time with his family, return to gardening, and enjoy forging with a friend.

We are honored that Dave will share his story at our GI Cancers Patient Connection event on November 19.

This free evening welcomes GI cancer patients, caregivers, loved ones, researchers, and support teams for connection, learning, and inspiration.

November 19, 2026 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Research South Building Lobby
2000 Circle of Hope Drive, Salt Lake City

Please RSVP through the link below.

11/04/2026

When Russ Smith was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at age 67, he couldn’t help but think about his mother. More than 30 years earlier, she had received the same diagnosis at the same age and passed away just seven weeks later.

But decades of research have allowed Russ’ story to unfold differently.

After his cancer continued to spread despite chemotherapy, Russ came to us to explore other options. We were one of only 60 sites worldwide to offer a clinical trial for daraxonrasib, a first-of-its-kind targeted therapy. Since Russ began taking the drug in February 2025, the growth of his cancer has slowed significantly.

“It’s prolonged my life in a meaningful way,” Russ says.

Earlier this year, the FDA approved daraxonrasib, now called Rasonque, bringing an important new treatment option to eligible patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. For Russ, that progress has meant more time with his children and grandchildren. For other patients and families, it offers new possibilities and hope for the future.

During Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, Russ’ story reminds us why research, clinical trials, and patient participation matter. Every advance has the potential to give patients more time, more options, and more moments with the people they love.

Read Russ’ story at the link below:

11/04/2026

We recently welcomed teams from our affiliate hospitals for our annual symposium—an opportunity to learn more about the meaningful ways they care for patients and families in their communities.

The gathering created space for teams to connect, share perspectives, and brainstorm around common challenges and opportunities. We were also grateful for the chance to share updates on advances in cancer research and care, while learning from the experience, knowledge, and dedication each affiliate team brings to the people they serve.

For many people facing cancer, receiving care closer to home means being able to lean on family, friends, and the familiar comforts of their community. Our affiliate hospitals help make this possible by extending comprehensive cancer care throughout the Mountain West.

Together, we serve communities across five states and 17% of the United States land mass, extending our reach while helping patients stay connected to the people and places that support them most. We are thankful for every affiliate hospital team and their commitment to compassionate, exceptional care.

Carson Tahoe Health, Community Hospital, Grand Junction, Colorado, Madisonhealth, Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County, Portneuf Medical Center, St. John's Health, St. Peter's Health

11/03/2026

Recently, Lawson Crouse and MacKenzie Weegar stopped by to spend time with our patients and families.

We’re so grateful for the smiles, encouragement, and meaningful conversations they shared. Thank you, Lawson and MacKenzie, for helping make the day a little brighter.

11/02/2026

Our community showed up in a meaningful way at our recent employee blood drive. We are so grateful to every employee who donated and to the ARUP Blood Services staff for their care and support throughout the day.

Rolling up your sleeve is a simple way to help our patients with cancer when they need it most. ARUP Blood Services / Utah Blood is the sole provider of blood products for our patients and University of Utah Health, so every donation makes a direct difference in the care our patients receive.

If you are eligible to donate, you can schedule an appointment at utahblood.org.

11/01/2026

This weekend, the Beacon of Hope shines in black and white zebra stripes in recognition of Neuroendocrine Tumor Awareness Month.

We light it for our patients with neuroendocrine tumors, the caregivers and loved ones who walk alongside them, and the clinicians and researchers dedicated to their care.

NETs are complex, and every patient deserves answers, expertise, and care tailored to their unique needs. Our team brings together specialists across many fields to provide personalized care, advanced imaging and therapies, supportive services, and access to clinical trials.

Research is essential to progress, helping us better understand NETs, develop new treatments, and create more hope for every person and family affected by this disease. We are grateful to the donors, philanthropic partners, and federal funding agencies whose generosity helps make this vital research possible.

10/31/2026

Our creative staff brought plenty of Halloween spirit to our halls with costumes that made us smile.

Even amid the fun, they continue to show up with compassion and dedication—caring for patients and families, advancing research, and supporting our community in so many meaningful ways. We are grateful for the joy, creativity, and heart they bring every day.

We hope their festive looks BOOsted your spirits, too. Happy Halloween from all of us!

10/30/2026

Rhett and Royal may be small, but as mini therapy horses, they make a big difference.

Yesterday, they visited our patients and staff in festive scarecrow costumes, bringing smiles, comfort, and a welcome moment of joy. Their special ability to connect with people is a meaningful reminder that care can take many forms.

We are grateful for the moments that help our patients, families, and teams feel supported.

Strides Pediatric Therapy Intermountain Therapy Animals

10/30/2026

Throughout November, the Beacon of Hope will shine for the people whose lives have been touched by neuroendocrine, pancreatic, lung, and stomach cancers.

These lightings recognize our patients and the many people who surround them with support: families, caregivers, advocates, donors, and our care and research teams. Behind every color is a community connected by care and hope.

October 30–November 1: Zebra for Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness
November 6–8: Purple for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness
November 13–15: White for Lung Cancer Awareness
November 20–22: Periwinkle for Stomach Cancer Awareness

Address

2000 Circle Of Hope Dr
Salt Lake City, UT
84112

Telephone

+18015850100

Website

http://huntsmancancer.org/

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