OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center

05/25/2026

Michele Adams never imagined that what felt like a persistent infection would lead to a cervical cancer diagnosis, spanning seven years and four recurrences.

From the moment she arrived at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, Michele was met with specialized care, unwavering support, and a team that never stopped fighting alongside her.

Through multiple rounds of treatment, setbacks, and moments of uncertainty, Michele’s strength and determination carried her forward.

Today, her story is a reminder that even the most challenging cancer journeys deserve expert care, hope, and a personalized path forward. It also underscores the importance of prevention, early detection, and access to advanced cancer treatment.

At Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma’s only NCI‑Designated Cancer Center, we are here for every stage of the fight and every patient who needs a reason to keep going.

05/22/2026

After being diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer, Oklahoman Kimberley Woodward faced a difficult road. When standard treatments were no longer enough, she was referred to OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center and enrolled in a precision-medicine clinical trial.

The trial used a combination of targeted therapies, and her oncologist reported significant improvement, including an 85% reduction in tumors and no visible liver lesions. Her doctors noted that such responses highlight the promise of precision medicine, though outcomes vary by patient.

Woodward shared the clinical trial likely saved her life and emphasized the importance of self-advocacy and participation in research to advance cancer treatment.

At Stephenson Cancer Center, we’re advancing cancer care through discovery, personalized treatment and hope for what’s next.

An Oklahoma woman said that a clinical trial may have saved her life.

05/20/2026

Today is National Clinical Trials Day, and we’re honoring the research — and the patients — that move cancer care forward.

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center offers nearly 250 clinical trials, including 50 Phase I trials — the most advanced therapies available. As Oklahoma’s only Phase I clinical trials center, we’re helping bring tomorrow’s breakthroughs to patients today.

One in four patients treated at Stephenson Cancer Center participates in a clinical trial, reflecting our commitment to patient-centered, research driven care.

Clinical trials are behind nearly every major advance in cancer care, offering patients access to innovative treatments today while driving the breakthroughs of tomorrow.

05/20/2026

New research from The University of Oklahoma College of Allied Health shows that when people cannot hear their own voice, precise tongue movements become less accurate. While speech may feel automatic, it relies on constant sensory feedback, especially hearing, to guide the tongue’s complex movements.

These findings are especially relevant for people experiencing hearing loss, including those with cochlear implants, and for patients treated for tongue cancer. Chemotherapy can damage hearing, surgery may remove part of the tongue, and radiation can reduce tongue strength and flexibility.

At OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, this research is helping inform ongoing studies focused on improving speech recovery and quality of life for cancer survivors. By connecting research and care, we’re working toward better outcomes for every patient.

05/18/2026

We’re proud to share that OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center has been named a top‑five finalist for Best Cancer Center in The Oklahoman's 2026 Community’s Choice Awards.

✅ Vote daily through May 27
✅ One vote per category, per day
🗳️ Vote for Stephenson Cancer Center — Best Cancer Center: https://brnw.ch/21x2API

This recognition reflects the trust our patients place in us and the unwavering commitment of our physicians, scientists, care teams, and staff who work every day to advance cancer care, research, and treatment for Oklahomans and beyond.

05/14/2026

One Oklahoma woman’s experience highlights OU Health's life-saving impact through early detection and ongoing care.

Kathryn Fuqua, diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer at age 50, has battled the disease multiple times since 2020, with each recurrence caught early because of consistent follow-up screenings and surveillance at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center.

Dr. Susanna Ulahannan, Director of the Phase I Clinical Trials Program at the Stephenson Cancer Center credits Kathryn’s commitment to routine scans and colonoscopies, ultimately helping her achieve cancer-free status while continuing immunotherapy.

Kathryn’s story underscores OU Health’s emphasis on regular screenings and taking symptoms seriously.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and health experts are urging people not to skip screenings.

05/04/2026

Former Oklahoma Football coach Gary Gibbs spent decades leading teams through tough games and high-pressure moments. In 2018, he faced a challenge far greater than anything on the field when a routine physical led to a diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a complex and aggressive blood cancer.

Gary’s journey brought him to OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, where he underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant. While the treatment initially sent his cancer into remission, years of therapy led to rare and complex complications that required ongoing, highly specialized care.

After a second stem cell transplant performed out of state, Gary continued to rely on his Stephenson care team for treatment of rare post-transplant complications, along with the ongoing care required for long-term cancer survivorship.

Gary’s story reflects how advanced research, specialized clinical expertise, and patient-centered care come together to support patients facing life-threatening disease, not only during treatment, but long after.

04/30/2026

A generous $2M gift from the Stuart Family Foundation is continuing to advance OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center to Tulsa — expanding access to comprehensive, NCI designated cancer care for patients in northeastern Oklahoma. This growth means more Oklahomans can receive lifesaving treatment without leaving their communities.

04/29/2026

What a day! 🙌 An amazing race, an incredible community, and so much support for Outpace Cancer. Thank you to everyone who showed up, cheered, sponsored, volunteered, and made it special!

04/20/2026

Our compassion ambassadors are one of a kind, and we are celebrating them and all our volunteers on National Volunteer Recognition Day! Thank you for your time and contributions to our patients at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center!

Learn more about our Compassion Ambassador Program: https://brnw.ch/21x1LjM

04/17/2026

Clinical trials save lives.

At OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, we’re advancing cancer care in Oklahoma — delivering access to more personalized therapies and better outcomes for patients.

Discovery is moving forward at Stephenson Cancer Center — for Oklahoma and far beyond.