Cancer Institute
In the News
Musshafen named to new leadership post at UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Dr. Leslie Musshafen has been named the associate director of administration at the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s Cancer Center and Research Institute. Read more.
Investigator highlight: Dr. Drazen Raucher
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Dr. Drazen Raucher, professor of cell and molecular biology, serves on multiple UMMC research-oriented committees as well as overseeing his own lab. He is a long-time member of the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute. As well as research, he’s worked with dozens of graduate students in his lab and he’s mentored college and high school students interested in medical research. Read more.
Neuroendocrine Tumors Q&A with Dr. Wade Anderson
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Dr. Wade Christopher, an assistant professor of surgery and member of the CCRI Interdisciplinary Gastrointestinal Cancer Care team, answers a few questions about a rare cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, the team encounters. Read more.
Investigator highlight: Dr. Christopher Anderson
Monday, October 17, 2022
Dr. Christopher Anderson, chair of the Department of Surgery/Transplant, also leads the CCRI Interdisciplinary Hepatobiliary Cancer Care team. This team discusses and recommends treatment for patients with liver, pancreatic and bile duct cancers. The surgical/transplant focus means UMMC can offer, when appropriate, liver transplant as an option for some liver cancer patients. This team also reviews other cancers that have metastasized to the liver. Read more.
Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness with Dr. Barbara Craft
Thursday, October 13, 2022
Dr. Barbara Craft, professor of hematology/oncology, leads the CCRI Interdisciplinary Breast Cancer Care team. She has worked with many women with metastatic breast cancer and provides answers to questions she often receives as CCRI observes Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day on Oct. 13. Read more.
Christopher joins GI, Liver and Bile Duct cancer care teams
Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Welcome Dr. Wade Christopher, an oncologic surgeon, to the University of Mississippi Medical Center where he will provide care for patients with several types of cancer. Christopher, an assistant professor of surgery, is on the CCRI Interdisciplinary Liver and Bile Duct Cancer Care team and the Gastrointestinal Cancer Care team. He’ll also work with patients with sarcoma, thyroid and melanoma cancers. Read more.
Investigator highlight: Dr. Clark Henegan
Monday, September 26, 2022
Dr. Clark Henegan is a medical oncologist who heads the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute’s Genitourinary Cancer Care team. He is also a CCRI Ergon Scholar, focusing on research that will help medical providers understand how patients experience cancer treatment and how they live with a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Henegan also helps vet any GU cancer trials that are offered at CCRI to be sure they are appropriate and fit needs of Mississippi patients. Henegan serves on a national cooperative group genitourinary subcommittee. Read more.
Investigator highlight: Dr. Robert Brodell
Friday, August 26, 2022
Dr. Robert Brodell, chair of the UMMC Department of Pathology, is a dermapathologist and founding chair of the UMMC Department of Dermatology, a position he recently left to chair pathology. His research focuses on dermatology, and access and barriers to health. He holds multiple awards and is an avid American Cancer Society volunteer, having been inducted to the ACS Relay for Life Hall of Fame. Read more.
Investigator highlight: Dr. Toms Thomas
Tuesday, August 10, 2022
Dr. Toms Thomas is an assistant professor of radiation oncology in the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute. As well as work with patients and his research at UMMC, Thomas also has served on committees for the American Medical Association and the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). Read more.
Investigator Highlight: Dr. Jennifer Barr and Dr. Ben McIntyre
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
Dr. Jennifer Barr, an assistant professor of orthopedic surgery, and Dr. Ben McIntyre, professor of plastic surgery, work together on the CCRI Interdisciplinary Sarcoma Care team to help patients who have bone and connective tissue cancers. Barr and Dr. Anderson Collier, director of the pediatric hematology-oncology division, head the team that treats adult and pediatric patients. Barr and McIntyre communicate about surgeries before hand. Once Barr has pathology reports that show negative margins, McIntrye steps in to start the reconstruction. Together they seek to improve outcomes and function for cancer patients. Read more.
Investigator highlight: Dr. M. Omar Chohan
Monday, July 25, 2022
Dr. M. Omar Chohan is an associate professor of neurosurgery and a neurosurgeon on the CCRI Interdisciplinary Brain/Central Nervous System care team. He has worked at UMMC for a year and a half. Chohan This physician/researcher focuses on better ways to provide treatment with the least side effects possible. He outlines his research and how he hopes it will help those with brain tumors. Recently, as the nation observed National Glioblastoma Awareness, he and others continued working to improve outcomes for those with these brain tumors. Read more.
Investigator Q&A: Dr. Shannon Orr
Tuesday, July 19, 2022
Dr. Shannon Orr, associate professor of surgery and head of the CCRI Interdisciplinary Gastrointestinal Cancer Care team, is among physicians nationally who support starting colorectal cancer screening at 45 instead of 50. Orr discusses why this is important and how Mississippi residents in this age group can take this step to help avoid seeing him and his colleagues. Read more.
Internship “opens eyes” of students to the disease that racked their families
Monday, July 11, 2022
For one month, five medical students selected for their interest, background and abilities explored cancer care at the Medical Center, in a pursuit that, for them, was every bit as personal as it was professional. Read more.
Investigator highlight: Dr. Cynthia Karlson
Friday, June 24, 2022
Dr. Cynthia Karlson, associate professor of pediatric hematology and oncology and a pediatric psychologist, is part of UMMC’s pediatric cancer care team. She works with children with cancer and sickle cell disease and their families to handle the emotional, behavioral and health-related concerns resulting from these conditions. She also works with local school systems to implement modifications that may aid patients returning after surgery or treatment. Read more.
Rarely used procedure promising tool for patients with abdominal cancer
Monday, June 13, 2022
When Darrell Freeman needed specialty care to help with his abdominal cancer fight, a Medical Center surgeon had an innovative solution: HIPEC, or hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. What makes it different is that the cancer is attacked by flooding the patient’s abdominal cavity with a heated saline and chemotherapy solution – a treatment much more powerful than traditional chemo. Read more.
CCRI spotlight: Heidi Johnson
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
Heidi Johnson, an anesthesia pre-op nurse in the Cancer Center and Research Institute outpatient clinic, describes life after being treated as an infant and toddler for sarcoma, a cancer that grows in connective tissue. Today, Johnson draws on her cancer survivor status to offer hope and understanding to those she meets. She’s among a growing group of cancer patients we salute in June, Cancer Survivor Awareness Month: Read more.
Love's cancer survivor toolbox includes helping others
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Tiara Love, manager of the CCRI Patient Resource Center, describes her journey with Hodgskin’s Lymphoma, and offers tips for those making the transition from cancer treatment to life as an adult cancer survivor. She’s among a growing group of cancer patients who we salute in June, Cancer Survivor Awareness Month. Read more.
UMMC nurses, orthopaedic surgery resident reap honors
Monday, May 23, 2022
Medical Center faculty and staff often are recognized regionally, nationally and internationally for their academic or medical achievements. These accolades place UMMC among health science centers worldwide. Read more.
Hassan joins CCRI breast cancer team
Thursday, May 12, 2022
Dr. Masood Muhammad Hassan has joined the University of Mississippi Medical Center as an assistant professor of pathology. At UMMC, he is a member of the Cancer Center and Research Institute Interdisciplinary Breast Cancer Care team as well as conducting cancer research. Read more.
People of The U: Lauren Burch
Monday, May 2, 2022
When Lauren Burch cares for her patients, she knows how they feel during a medical crisis. The School of Nursing graduate became an RN while battling cancer. Read more.
Junior League of Jackson gives $500,000 for cancer center renovation
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders opened in 1991 thanks to the hard work of the Junior League of Jackson. The Junior League is now helping fund renovations of the center with a $500,000 gift announced April 19. Read more.
Transplant, bone marrow, Children’s perioperative receive kudos
Monday, April 18, 2022
Medical Center faculty and staff often are recognized regionally, nationally and internationally for their academic or medical achievements. These accolades place UMMC among health science centers worldwide. Read more.
People of the U: Tiara Love
Monday, April 18, 2022
Tiara Love fits a nervous cancer patient with a wig at one of the scariest points in her life, Love knows how it feels. Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in high school, Love herself wore a wig as she lost her hair during treatment. Her job now at the Cancer Center and Research Institute is to be a resource for patients who need education, understanding and a head covering that meets their needs. Read more.
Faculty, staff, SON collect honors
Monday, April 11, 2022
Medical Center faculty and staff often are recognized regionally, nationally and internationally for their academic or medical achievements. These accolades place UMMC among health science centers worldwide. Read more.
For adults with sickle cell, new clinic relieves pain of neglect
Monday, February 7, 2022
Children with sickle cell disease grow up to become adults with sickle cell disease – and that’s when things get even worse. While not all children with the painful illness will get needed care, their adult counterparts are even less likely to do so, especially in rural areas like the Mississippi Delta. But a new clinic in Greenville is making a difference, and UMMC is a playing a big part. Read more.
People of the U: Elizabeth Wicks
Monday, January 18, 2022
Throughout her young life, Elizabeth Wicks has earned her place on extremely short lists of distinction: high school valedictorian, college hall of fame inductee, future physician and more. Now, the medical student at UMMC has made it on one of the shortest lists of all in the area of research, and it has permitted her to work alongside a winner of the Nobel Prize. Read more.
UMMC students, faculty lauded for scholarship, research
Monday, January 10, 2022
Medical Center faculty and staff often are recognized regionally, nationally and internationally for their academic or medical achievements. These accolades place UMMC among health science centers worldwide.
UMMC physicians receive ACS awards
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Two Medical Center physicians have been honored by the American Cancer Society for partnering with the nonprofit in preventing and detecting cancer. Dr. Pierre de Delva, associate professor in the Department of Surgery, is the ACS South Region 2021 Cancer Control Partner of the Year. Dr. William Robinson, professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, is the 2021 Get Screened Champion of the Year. Read more.
Huynh joins CCRI derm team
Thursday, November 17, 2021
Dr. Thy Huynh has joined the University of Mississippi Medical Center as an assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics. At UMMC, she will be a member of the Cancer Center and Research Institute Interdisciplinary Skin Cancer Team as well as conduct research in this field. Read more.
Domino joins CCRI urologic joins cancer team
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Dr. Paula Domino, a urologic surgeon who specializes in helping restore function for patients with urinary and pelvic challenges, has joined the University of Mississippi Medical Center. As well as other duties, she will work with the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute Interdisciplinary Genitourinary Cancer team. Read more.
UMMC earns ACR Breast Imaging Center of Excellence Honors
Monday, October 25, 2021
Centers with the designation are fully accredited in all American College of Radiology breast-imaging programs and modules including the ACR mammography accreditation program, stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound, ultrasound-guided breast biopsy and breast MRI. Read more.
Research awards mark faculty, staff funding achievements
Monday, October 25, 2021
The Office of Research recognized 17 UMMC personnel for reaching new heights in extramural funding for their original scientific ideas. This year’s Excellence in Research Awards honorees represent four schools and nine departments. Read more.
Brodell tapped to lead American Dermatological Association
Monday, September 13, 2021
Access to care, especially in the most rural of corners. That’s been a passion of Dr. Robert Brodell, professor and chair of the Department of Dermatology, as he works to expand the presence of dermatology across Mississippi. Brodell has a national stage to continue advocating for patients as the new president of the American Dermatological Association. Read more.
Brister joins cancer team
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Dr. Kelly Brister, a colorectal surgeon, has joined the University of Mississippi Medical Center Interdisciplinary Gastrointestinal Cancer Team. At UMMC’s Cancer Center and Research Institute she will provide services to a population with one of the lowest colorectal cancer screening rates in the nation. Read more.
Risley returns to UMMC
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
Dr. Carolann Risley recently returned to the University of Mississippi Medical Center as an associate professor of nursing and member of the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute. Risley has focused on research into the basis for racial disparities in cervical cancer since she was a UMMC graduate student. Read more.
Factors needed for breast cancer metastasis identified
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Dr. Marcus Zachariah, a member of the CCRI Interdisciplinary Brain and CNS care team and a researcher, is co-lead author of a landmark study on breast cancer brain metastasis, “HIF1A signaling selectively supports proliferation of breast cancer in the brain” recently published in the Nature Communications journal. Read more.
Cardio-Oncology clinic brings care to outpatients
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Dr. Brandon Lennep has been named to head the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute Cardio-Oncology Clinic at its Jackson Medical Mall outpatient facilities. Lennep is a University of Mississippi Medical Center assistant professor of cardiology. Read more.
UMMC Grenada cancer services offer options closer to home
Monday, May 3, 2021
For those undergoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy infusions, traveling hours for care can cause stress and inconvenience. Cancer patients in the Grenada region now have a number of treatment options close to home delivered by a dedicated UMMC team that includes physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and laboratory staff. Read more.
Medical visionary Dr. Blair E. Batson: Pioneer advances Mississippi pediatric care in 20th Century
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Mississippi's pediatrics can be divided into two eras: Before Dr. Blair E. Batson and after.
Batson, the first chair of pediatrics at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and the medical leader who led the way to the state’s first hospital for children, died Nov. 26, 2019, at 98. Read more.
Facial reanimation surgery offers something to smile about
Monday, March 29, 2021
Life-saving brain surgeryto remove a dangerous tumor was inevitable for Dereck Moore, and complications from such a sensitive procedure were possible. When he awoke from the procedure with some facial paralysis, help was already on the way. Dr. Randall Jordan transferred a nerve from Moore’s calf to his face, making it possible for him tosmile again. Read more.
Second chance at life: Surgeons rebuild cancer patient’s jaw
Monday, March 15, 2021
It truly was a race against the clock: When a team of plastic and oral/maxillofacial specialists at UMMC agreed to remove a large, aggressive tumor from the jaw of a Puerto Rican teen and then rebuild that bone, the surgeons had no time to waste. The fast-growing tumor, already the size of a softball, left the patient unable to open her mouth or eat. Today, she is cancer-free. Read more.
People of the U: Vani Vijayakumar
Thursday, February 25, 2021
The foundation of Dr. Vani Vijayakumar’s compassion for her patients rests on a broken bone. It happened more than 15 years ago in Galveston, Texas, when another driver ran a red light, smashing the physician’s car and her hip. Read more.