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

Research events

Research events

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

Intramural funding

Intramural funding

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

Shared resources

Shared resources

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

Related news

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Research

Massey showcases research, collaboration and mentorship at American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting

Apr 30, 2025

More than 30 researchers, clinicians and students from Massey travelled to the 2025 American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting. Massey members proved to be an active part of the annual conference, which is one of the largest in the United States...

Research

Memorial lecture series at VCU honors David Wheeler, Ph.D.

Apr 17, 2025

On April 4, the Department of Biostatistics in the VCU School of Public Health hosted its inaugural Dr. David Wheeler Memorial Lecture in Spatial and Cancer Statistics, featuring renowned biostatistician Lance Waller, Ph.D., from Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University....