UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute

05/22/2026

For this week’s Thank a Researcher Thursday, we’re proud to spotlight Dr. Amod Sharma, research instructor in the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and an associate member of the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute, who has been honored with the Young Investigator Award from the American Association of Indian Scientists in Cancer Research (AAISCCR).
This national recognition follows a rigorous, blinded review of applications and abstracts by the AAISCCR YIA Committee, a clear reflection of the strength and potential of Dr. Sharma’s research.
He received the award at the AAISCCR Annual Meeting on April 20 in San Diego.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Sharma on this outstanding achievement and in thanking him for his dedication to advancing cancer research at UMMC. https://www.umc.edu/cancerinstitute/directors-cut-newsletter/2026/April-2026/Articles/Sharma-Accolade.html

05/21/2026

Clinical trials give patients access to promising new options and help researchers learn what works. This week, CCRI is honoring the people behind that progress. On Wednesday, employees and visitors learned about UMMC’s 200+ active trials and $110 million in research funding.

05/20/2026

Thank you to Trustmark for its strong support of It’s About Time: The Campaign for the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute.
This investment helps us build a new state-of-the-art home for CCRI — a place designed to bring advanced cancer treatment, groundbreaking research, and compassionate support together under one roof.
We are deeply grateful for Trustmark’s commitment to improving the health and well being of communities across Mississippi. Their generosity moves us closer to transforming cancer care for generations to come. 💙

05/18/2026

🌟 Meet the Team Monday 🌟 Today we’re proud to introduce Denise Thames‑Lewis, an oncology certified inpatient chemotherapy nurse who cares for patients in UMMC’s Bone Marrow Transplant Unit and in Hematology and Oncology.

Denise’s passion for cancer care began when she was a teenager. Her grandfather’s prostate cancer diagnosis brought her family together as caregivers, and witnessing their love and dedication inspired her to become a nurse who could make a difference for others.

At CCRI, Denise administers chemotherapy using strict safety precautions and monitors patients closely for any reactions. But what brings her the most meaning is being a positive light — offering physical care, emotional support, and reassurance to ease the fears and sadness that patients and families often carry.

Help us celebrate Denise and the compassion she brings to our patients every day.

05/18/2026

The CCRI team collaborates with advanced practice providers in the fight against cancer.

05/14/2026

Dr. Nicole Anderson is helping uncover why neuroblastoma spreads and Summer Fellow Perla Luna-Camacho is joining that mission this summer through a St. Baldrick’s Foundation grant. Their work focuses on understanding how tumor cells reshape the bone marrow environment, which plays a major role in metastatic disease.

Research like this matters because metastatic disease remains the leading cause of death for children with neuroblastoma. Thank you to Dr. Anderson, Perla and the St. Baldrick’s Foundation for investing in a future with better answers and more hope for families. 💛
https://blog.stbaldricks.org/announcing-the-2026-st-baldricks-summer-fellows/

05/14/2026

Collaboration across Mississippi makes a real difference for patients and their families!

Making CONNECTIONS matters! 💙 🥼🤝🥼💙
Dr. Rod Rocconi recently traveled to Tupelo to CONNECT on OPR OUTREACH with providers & administrators at the North Mississippi Medical Center Cancer Center. Strengthening partnerships & advancing collaboration in cancer care across our state helps patients.

05/12/2026

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, and it remains a major health challenge in Mississippi. Early detection, timely diagnosis, and access to comprehensive care make a life‑changing difference.
At UMMC’s Cancer Center and Research Institute, our breast cancer services include:
• Screening and diagnostic imaging
• Surgical, medical, and radiation oncology
• Precision‑guided treatment plans
• Supportive oncology services and survivorship care
As Mississippi’s academic cancer center, we are committed to providing compassionate, evidence‑based care close to home.
Learn more about symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options: https://www.umc.edu/Healthcare/Cancer/Cancer_Types/Breast%20Cancers.html

05/11/2026

One of the first people cancer patients meet at UMMC’s Cancer Center and Research Institute is Marlene Rios — and she works hard to make that first moment reassuring. Marlene leads the check‑in process, helping patients navigate visits with ease, and she plays a key role in creating the Resource Room and welcome bags that bring comfort during a difficult time. Her compassion, experience and dedication make a meaningful difference for our patients and their families. We’re grateful to have her at CCRI. 💙 https://umc.edu/news/News_Articles/2026/05/Marlene-Rios.html

05/07/2026

For this week’s Thank a Researcher Thursday, we are proud to recognize Dr. Jasmine Miller‑Kleinhenz, our 2025 Researcher of the Year.
An assistant professor in the John D. Bower School of Population Health, Dr. Miller‑Kleinhenz conducts groundbreaking research at the intersection of molecular biology and social determinant of health. Her work seeks to understand why breast cancer outcomes differ by race — and to uncover solutions that can reduce these disparities.
Her achievements have earned national recognition, including the AACR Minority Faculty Scholar Award and a nearly $1 million NIH K99/R00 grant.
Dr. Miller‑Kleinhenz’s research is reshaping how we approach cancer inequities, and we are grateful for her leadership and dedication to improving outcomes for all Mississippians.

05/06/2026

This National Nurses Week, we’re celebrating the incredible nurses who care for our patients with skill, compassion and strength.

At the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute, our nurses are at the heart of everything we do — guiding patients through treatment, offering comfort during difficult moments, and bringing hope to families across Mississippi.

Please join us in thanking these extraordinary professionals for the difference they make every day. 💙