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 & Innovation, Leadership

Leading cancer researchers from VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center will present at this year’s annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), which will be held April 17-22

Apr 16, 2026

Leading cancer researchers from VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center will present at this year’s annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), which will be held April 17-22 in San Diego. More than 70 representatives of Massey and VCU will share their findings. ...

Research & Innovation, Community Engagement

Ginder Symposium showcases how the epigenetic blueprint of cancer is being created and utilized to improve treatment

Apr 14, 2026

Hundreds gathered for VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center’s 2026 Gordon Ginder Innovations in Cancer Symposium at the Dewey Gottwald Center in Richmond on April 9. This year’s conference was focused on how epigenetics, the study of how behaviors and environmental factors, such as diet, stress, ex...