UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute

Home
United States
Jackson, MS
UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute

Defeating cancer takes a team. Learn more about our teams at the Cancer Center & Research Institute.

08/05/2025

The UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute recently hosted the second Natural Products and Cancer Research Symposium in collaboration with the University of Mississippi’s NCNPR. The event highlighted the growing role of natural products in advancing cancer research and treatment. Attendees heard from leading scientists and toured CCRI’s research facilities. Events like this strengthen collaboration in the fight against cancer.

07/31/2025

Members of the Cancer Center and Research Institute made a strong impression at the 2025 meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the first and largest cancer research organization in the world. Each year, the meeting brings together more than 20,000 of the world’s leading cancer researchers as well as cancer survivors, advocates and health care providers. Our CCRI members showcased their latest research findings and marked a major milestone by hosting a booth at the AACR Career Fair for the first time!

07/29/2025

The Cancer Center and Research Institute recently hosted a community health education fair in Lexington, Mississippi, where Dr. Justin Turner, assistant professor in Preventive Medicine and CCRI community health officer, spoke about cancer health in our state. Participants visited vendors and learned about resources to assist with their needs.

We thank all of our community partners as we create a healthier Mississippi!

07/22/2025

Physicians, researchers, and clinical staff from the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute made a big impact at the recent Gulf Coast Hematology & Oncology Summit, hosted by the Alabama Cancer Congress and Mississippi Oncology Society.

🔹Dr. Clark Henegan shared key insights in his expert talk: “2025 Genitourinary Oncology Updates: Urothelial and Renal Cell Carcinoma.”

🔹Dr. William “Neil” Duggar explored the cutting edge of cancer care with “Modern and Emerging Radiation Therapy Practice.”

🔹Dr. Hillary Daugherty took home 1st place in the poster presentation competition for her study on advanced prostate cancer treatment.

We’re proud of our team for leading the way in cancer research and care across the Gulf Coast!

07/15/2025

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Justin Turner! Dr. Turner has recently joined UMMC as an assistant professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine and a member of the Cancer Center and Research Institute. Dr. Turner will help to enhance population health and cancer prevention initiatives through education and community outreach.

A board-certified internal medicine physician and former Chief Medical Officer of the Mississippi State Department of Health, Dr. Turner brings extensive experience in clinical leadership, health equity and public health advocacy. He has also received numerous statewide awards in recognition of his service, leadership, and dedication to improving health outcomes throughout Mississippi.

07/11/2025

Dr. Seema Singh, professor of cell and molecular biology and associate director of education and training at the Cancer Center and Research Institute, presented a beautiful plaque to Dr. Yuliya Pyalyeva-Gupta, associate professor at the University of North Carolina, in recognition of her groundbreaking cancer research.

During her visit to the Cancer Center, Dr. Pyalyeva-Gupta delivered a presentation titled “Determinants of B Cell Function in Cancer.” She shared how B cells, which are key players in our immune system, can either attack cancer or support its growth. Her team identified a specific substance in the body that causes this harmful shift, and more importantly, how blocking it can reprogram B cells to fight cancer instead. Her work is paving the way for more targeted and effective immunotherapies.

07/08/2025

Thank you to Keeley K. Frederick, intelligence program manager, for her recent presentation on Epic Cosmos — a powerful, clinical data platform transforming the way we approach research and patient care.

Cosmos empowers clinicians and researchers to collaborate and uncover meaningful insights that drive better health outcomes for our patients.

07/04/2025

Today, we proudly honor the red, white and blue! Wishing you a joyful Fourth of July from all of us at the CCRI Team, as we celebrate the spirit of freedom and unity that shapes our nation.

07/01/2025

After 38 years of dedicated service, Dr. Stephanie Elkins, Medical Director at the School of Medicine and renowned hematologist, is retiring.

In honor of her incredible career and impact, Dr. Rodney Rocconi, director of the Cancer Center and Research Institute, presented her with a commemorative plaque to celebrate her contributions to medicine, research and patient care.

Thank you, Dr. Elkins, for your unwavering commitment and legacy of excellence! 💙

06/24/2025

Survivor University was developed as an educational, entirely online program that provides valuable resources to improve the health and quality of life of individuals facing cancer. In a recent expansion, the grant-funded program is now open to all Mississippians, not just those treated at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, offering practical tools and expert guidance for survivors.

Read more about the program's expansion here: https://umc.edu/cancerinstitute/directors-cut-newsletter/2025/May-2025/Articles/Survivor-university.html

06/18/2025

Dr. Nicole Anderson, assistant professor of cell and molecular and member of the Cancer Center and Research Institute, has been appointed co-chair of the Early Career Investigator committee within the Zebrafish Disease Models Society.

One of Anderson’s key initiatives has been launching a new mentoring program within ZDMS, which is designed to provide structured support for early-career researchers. The initiative is expected to continue growing, with recruitment for the 2026 cohort beginning at the society’s annual meeting in October 2025. The program is open to all ZDMS members.

Read more: https://umc.edu/cancerinstitute/directors-cut-newsletter/2025/April-2025/Articles/Dr-Anderson.html

06/12/2025

Congratulations to Sharon Ezell, nurse practitioner in the Department of Radiation Oncology, for earning two prestigious oncology certifications—Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) and Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP)!

The certifications, offered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation, demonstrate specialized knowledge in oncology nursing. The OCN acknowledges clinical expertise in cancer care for registered nurses, while the AOCNP is specifically for recognizing nurse practitioners who deliver advanced oncology services. Read more: https://umc.edu/cancerinstitute/directors-cut-newsletter/2025/May-2025/Articles/Sharon-Ezrell.html

Address

2500 N State St
Jackson, MS
39216

Website

http://www.umc.edu/cancer

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute:

Shortcuts