Facts and figures

National Cancer Institute designation

In 1974, VCU Massey Cancer Center was designated by the National Cancer Institute, and Massey has retained that prestige ever since. Of the 1,500 cancer centers in the U.S., only 66 have earned an NCI designation, placing Massey in the top 4 percent nationwide. This designation makes Massey eligible for federal funding reserved for the most elite institutions that demonstrate superior research capabilities.

Researchers

Massey scientists and physicians collaborate to conduct laboratory and clinical research to discover new and better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. Nearly 130 of our researchers are faculty from 22 VCU academic departments, five schools and one college.

Research programs

Our researchers conduct basic, clinical and translational research designed to lead to novel approaches for treating cancer:

• Cancer Cell Signaling – identifying key signaling pathways that contribute to cancer
• Cancer Molecular Genetics – investigating genetic and epigenetic changes that underlie the molecular and cellular events contributing to cancer development and progression, and using this information to develop new target-based therapies for cancer
• Cancer Prevention and Control – developing basic and applied research programs in behavioral, social and population sciences to create or enhance interventions that reduce cancer risk, incidence, morbidity and mortality, and enhance quality of life
• Developmental Therapeutics – exploring cancer therapeutics, identifying molecular targets, assessing the molecular genetic profiles of tumors and translating these findings into the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancer
• Radiation Biology and Oncology – examining effects of radiation on tumor cells at the molecular level to determine radioresistance and how to optimally deliver radiation to more effectively treat cancer

Cancer specialties

• breast cancer
• lung and respiratory cancer 
• prostate and other urologic cancers 
• hematologic malignancies (lymphomas, leukemias and multiple myeloma) 
• colorectal and other gastrointestinal cancers (stomach, esophagus, liver, pancreas)
• ear, nose, throat, head and neck cancers 
• cancers of the brain and nervous system 
• gynecologic cancer
• pediatric cancers 

Massey earned Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s prestigious Blue Distinction for Complex and Rare Cancers, which include acute leukemia, primary brain cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, head and neck cancers, liver cancer and pancreatic cancer.

Annual patient volume

• 13,800 patients
• 25,200 chemotherapy treatments
• 26,300 radiation treatments 
• 3,300 surgeries 
• 160 bone marrow transplants

(approximate; 2010)

Clinicians

Part of the nationally-recognized VCU Medical Center, Massey consists of more than 400 clinicians who specialize in various types of cancer. Our oncology care was ranked 38th in the country by U.S. News & World Report’s 2010-11 publication of America’s Best Hospitals, and two dozen of our physicians were voted “Top Docs” in 2011 by Richmond Magazine.

Multidisciplinary care

Massey pioneered the region’s multidisciplinary treatment approach, which provides the highest level of coordinated, individualized patient care. Each week, teams of medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, clinical research nurses and others meet to customize each individual patient’s course of treatment. All specialists work together at the same place, making the treatment experience cohesive, efficient and as stress-free as possible for patients.

Clinical trials

Patients at Massey have access to more than 100 clinical trials, many of which are not available at community hospitals. These trials offer cutting-edge treatments, medical devices and prevention methods for more than 20 cancer types.

Our clinical research staff works with other NCI centers and national cooperative groups to develop and oversee clinical trials, ensuring patient health and safety and scientific rigor.

Massey has expanded its clinical trial offerings statewide to provide more Virginians access to clinical trials. Our integrated clinical trials network consists of affiliate partnerships in Lynchburg, Fredericksburg and Newport News. This network enables health systems and oncology medical practices throughout the Commonwealth to access Massey’s excellence in research and its expertise in developing and managing clinical trials.

Bone marrow transplantation

The Bone Marrow Transplant Program at Massey is the country’s 14th largest (based on University HealthSystem Consortium data) and one of just 70 across the nation to become a Blue Distinction Center, in recognition of the program’s depth of experience and good patient outcomes.

Palliative care

Massey is a leader in providing palliative care for people with chronic illnesses, winning the prestigious Circle of Life award from the American Hospital Association. One of only eight exemplary sites in the U.S. offering National Palliative Care Leadership training, Massey trains clinicians and administrators at hundreds of other institutions on developing and delivering this important form of care.

Care for all

As part of a “safety net” hospital, Massey is committed to caring for all Virginians regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Massey is designated as an NCI Minority-based Clinical Oncology Program because at least 40 percent of our patients are minorities. We are also conducting NCI-funded studies aimed at reducing cancer incidence and mortality among minorities.