Leading the nation’s cancer advancements through research

Massey's nationally recognized research programs comprises nearly 150 research members discovering and developing a future without cancer.

Explore our programs

One of the Nation’s leading cancer research centers

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is proud to be your local National Cancer institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. As one of just two centers in Virginia with this distinction, Massey is at the forefront of the nation’s cancer research efforts. Massey has been designated by the NCI since 1975 and received comprehensive status in 2023.

Learn more about Massey's quest for comprehensive designation

Preeminent research programs

Massey research members conduct cutting-edge research and lead collaborative initiatives through one of three scientific research programs.

Cancer Biology

Unraveling the causes of the growth and spread of cancer and identifying key interactions between tumors and their microenvironment

Developmental Therapeutics

Discovering, developing and evaluating novel, small molecules and biologics through clinical trials

Cancer Prevention & Control

Advancing cancer risk identification and mitigation as well as improved approaches to survivorship

Clinical trials

Find a clinical trial

Search clinical trials available to Massey patients
Clinical trials network (NCORP)

Explore Massey’s clinical trials network and NCORP affiliate sites
Clinical Trials Office

Learn more about support for investigators conducting clinical research

Team Science

VA-ACCERT Center for Cancer Control

Through a series of research projects, VA-ACCERT is working to improve health outcomes for individuals living in income-based housing communities.
Virginia Cancer Screening Research Network

Through an extensive network of academic health systems, medical schools and primary care practices, the Virginia CSRN serves the Commonwealth and surrounding region.

Research events

Massey sponsors a range of research events for trainees and researchers.

Intramural funding

Explore intramural funding opportunities for novel cancer-related research concepts.

Shared resources

Shared resources support the extensive cancer research portfolio of Massey scientists.

Related news

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Research & Innovation

Targeted drug could benefit pediatric and young adult patients with invasive soft tissue cancer

Nov 18, 2025

Findings from researchers at VCU Massey and Huntsman Cancer Institute have helped identify a targeted drug that blocks SUMOylation pathways, restoring key DNA-regulating functions and significantly reducing synovial sarcoma tumor growth in preclinical models. ...

Research & Innovation, Community Engagement

Massey launches Brushstrokes of Discovery art initiative to celebrate the relationship between cancer patients and researchers

Nov 14, 2025

A new mural, Brushstrokes of Discovery, celebrates how tumor tissue donation fuels cancer research breakthroughs. Created by Richmond artists Khalid Thompson, Silly Genius and Rain Spann, the piece symbolizes hope, science and community at VCU Health. Discover the story behind the art. ...