University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center

12/12/2025

Vivian Walters went in for what she thought would be a routine hysterectomy with Dr. Harry Johnson at UMMC. During surgery, Dr. Johnson discovered an issue with her appendix, and a biopsy later confirmed a rare appendiceal tumor, a diagnosis found in fewer than six people per million.

Vivian was quickly connected with gastrointestinal cancer expert Dr. Benjamin Powers, surgical oncologist, and UMGCCC’s expert care team. After thorough testing, Vivian and Dr. Powers created a treatment plan for her low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN), which had spread to the lining of her abdomen.
Vivian later underwent an 11-hour CRS-HIPEC procedure to remove the disease, and she has since made steady progress in her recovery. Dr. Powers emphasizes that Vivian’s journey highlights the importance of early detection and coordinated, compassionate care.

Read more about Vivian’s journey: https://www.umms.org/umgccc/cancer-services/cancer-types/gastrointestinal/diagnostic-treatment/hyperthermic-intraperitoneal-chemotherapy/patient-story

12/09/2025

Glioblastoma is the deadliest form of brain cancer. A new study is bringing hope that it could be survivable.
The publication in The Lancet Oncology, led by Dr. Graeme Woodworth, Professor and Chair of Neurosurgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Neurosurgeon-In-Chief at UMMC, shows promising results.
The study is the first to find a potential survival benefit to adding focused ultrasound to standard chemotherapy.
The key advancement is getting treatment directly into the brain. The blood–brain barrier normally blocks toxins but it also blocks most therapies. Focused ultrasound temporarily opens this barrier, which allows chemotherapy to enter the brain and target the dangerous cancer cells that remain after standard treatment. The barrier then closes again.
The goal is to use focused ultrasound to treat tumors more effectively, monitor for signs of regrowth, and re-treat patients when needed. This form of treatment is currently only available in clinical trials and work still needs to be done to confirm these results in larger studies, but Dr. Woodworth says this is an exciting step forward.

Read the full story in The Baltimore Banner: https://www.thebanner.com/community/public-health/focused-ultrasound-study-glioblastoma-brain-cancer-LAGEPSTQ2RBPHJGX7VG7PFNXQM/

11/30/2025

Quitting smoking is the single best choice you can make for your health. But it’s also good for your wallet. Consider the amount of money you’ll save when you quit–including the decreased health and life insurance costs. Looking for ways to quit? Check out these resources: https://health.umms.org/2019/09/24/how-to-quit-smoking/

11/29/2025

Did you know? Smoking can lead to various health problems, including heart disease, stroke, COPD, and asthma. Are you looking for ways to quit? Read more here:

We know it is hard to quit smoking. But it is worth it. Get tips to help you quit and learn why it is important to get a lung screening.

11/27/2025

This Thanksgiving, what are you grateful for?

For patients Bryan Soronson and Dana Deighton, gratitude begins with the complex, compassionate care they received at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center. Hear their stories and the impact that UMGCCC’s expert care has made on their journeys.

11/26/2025

Do you know the signs and symptoms of lung cancer? The symptoms may not be as obvious or have characteristics similar to those of other conditions. Here are 12 common signs to look for: https://health.umms.org/2022/08/03/lung-cancer-symptoms/

11/26/2025

Maryland’s most meaningful race is back, and this year, we run with joy, remembrance, and purpose. 💛
Join us on June 6, 2026 for the 18th Annual Maryland Half Marathon & 5K to honor those we have lost and stand with those still fighting cancer.
Every mile you move and every dollar you raise fuels life-saving research and compassionate care at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Register today and be part of a day of courage and community. Plus, kick off the holiday season with our Black Friday special. Enjoy 15% off registration now through Sunday, November 30!
🎟️Use code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout before Sunday, November 30 at 11:55 PM (EST) to claim your discount.

REGISTER NOW https://bit.ly/4p4DVQh

Maryland’s most meaningful race is back, and this year, we run with joy, remembrance, and purpose. 💛

Join us on June 6, 2026 for the 18th Annual Maryland Half Marathon & 5K to honor those we have lost and stand with those still fighting cancer.

Every mile you move and every dollar you raise fuels life-saving research and compassionate care at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Register today and be part of a day of courage and community. Plus, kick off the holiday season with our Black Friday special. Enjoy 15% off registration now through Sunday, November 30!

🎟️Use code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout before Sunday, November 30 at 11:55 PM (EST) to claim your discount.

REGISTER NOW https://bit.ly/4p4DVQh

Can’t make the race this year? You can still make an impact. Sign up as a Fundraiser-Only participant and help advance cancer care right here in Maryland.

11/24/2025

By now, most people know smoking ci******es and using to***co products is bad for their health. But it can be challenging to quit. You may think, “I’ve smoked for years; why stop now?” There are many reasons to quit smoking. Learn more: https://health.umms.org/2019/09/24/how-to-quit-smoking/

11/20/2025

Thanks to all who stopped by our table at UMMC’s Downtown Campus to learn about lung cancer screening, treatment, and prevention. If you are between the ages of 50-80 with a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years, talk to your healthcare provider about a low-dose CT screening.

Visit umgccc.org/lungcancer to learn more.

11/19/2025

According to the American Cancer Society, this year, there will be an estimated 226,650 new lung cancer cases and 124,730 deaths across the United States. Getting a screening is key to early detection.
Learn more: https://health.umms.org/2022/08/03/lung-cancer-symptoms/

11/14/2025

During , it's important to remember there are risk factors for lung cancer other than smoking, like radon exposure and air pollution. Director of the Interventional Pulmonology Program at UMMC, Dr. Ash Sachdeva, joined WBFF FOX 45 to explain these risks and encourage people to talk with their healthcare provider about any concerns.

Watch the full segment:

Dr. Ash Sachdeva joined the FOX 45 Morning Show to discuss rising rates of non-smoker lung cancer.

11/13/2025

Who should get a screening for lung cancer? The American Cancer Society recommends it for people without symptoms of lung cancer, aged 50-80, who smoke or have smoked in the last 15 years, and with at least 20 pack-years of history.
Learn more: https://health.umms.org/2022/08/03/lung-cancer-symptoms/