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 (MU-NCORP)
Explore Massey’s clinical trials network and MU-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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NCI Planning SPORE in Lung Cancer Disparities
See how Massey is working to reduce lung cancer disparities through a multi-regional consortium.
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
Genetic code deploys cancer mafia, new targeted drug gives them an offer they can’t refuse
Sep 3, 2025
A group of scientists at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center has revealed a new genetic code that acts like a cancer ringleader, recruiting and deploying a gang of tumor cells to incite a biological turf war by invading healthy organs and overpowering the normal cells. ...
Research & Innovation
Researchers awarded $7.3 million grant to launch groundbreaking breast cancer clinical trial
Aug 28, 2025
Venkata Lokesh Battula, Ph.D., assistant director of Massey’s Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination Efforts (CRTEC) and professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the VCU School of Medicine, identified GD2 as a new marker in triple-negative breast cancer patients....
