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 programsOne 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
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Find a clinical trial
Search clinical trials available to Massey patients
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Clinical trials network (NCORP)
Explore Massey’s clinical trials network and NCORP affiliate sites
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Clinical Trials Office
Learn more about support for investigators conducting clinical research
Team Science
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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.
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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
View all newsResearch & Innovation, Clinical Care, Community Engagement, Prevention , Patient Stories , Giving, Leadership
VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Releases 2025 Annual Report
Aug 11, 2026
Report showcases Massey's community-rooted efforts at the local level, the reach of partnerships across the commonwealth, and legacy of scientific excellence recognized across the nation. ...
Research & Innovation
Targeting MDA-9 restrains head and neck tumor growth and eliminates therapy resistance
Aug 5, 2026
We spoke with Paul Fisher, Ph.D and Jiong Li, Ph.D, two Massey researchers that worked on a collaborative study that suggests a new small molecule inhibitor, IVMT-Rx-4, could open the door for enhanced targeted treatment options for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)....
