The University of Kansas Cancer Center

03/05/2026

Obesity is one of the most significant — and preventable — risk factors for cancer, linked to 13 cancer types and poorer outcomes after diagnosis. Nearly 70% of people in KU Cancer Center’s region are overweight or have obesity, making this a critical priority for our community.

In 2025, we hosted our first Obesity, Metabolism and Cancer Conference, bringing together researchers, clinicians and community partners to explore how metabolic health impacts cancer risk, treatment and survivorship. Across our center, teams are advancing research from the lab to community-based prevention programs.

Learn how we’re tackling the cancer–obesity connection ➔ https://bit.ly/4tUsZHR

Nearly 70% of people in our region have obesity or are overweight.

03/04/2026

At The University of Kansas Cancer Center, survival is more than an outcome, it’s a milestone in a lifelong journey. That’s why we launched the Center for Survivorship and Patient-Oriented Research in 2024 — to help patients move beyond treatment and thrive with the best possible quality of life. Guided by the belief that patients come first and care should be accessible to all, the center is already advancing innovative research and patient-centered support.

Learn how we’re redefining survivorship ➔

Program helps patients achieve the best quality of life after treatment.

03/04/2026

Community support continues to drive meaningful progress in ovarian cancer research. We’re grateful to the OVERRUN Ovarian Cancer Foundation for supporting Dr. Andrew Godwin’s ovarian cancer research at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. This year’s $100,000 gift from their annual 5K run/walk will establish a new OVERRUN postdoctoral fellowship, expanding opportunities for emerging scientists dedicated to preventing, detecting and treating ovarian cancer.

03/02/2026

A volunteer opportunity turned into a calling.

When Levi Arnold, PhD, first stepped into a KU Cancer Center lab in 2015, he was building his resume for medical school. With mentorship and support, that experience led to a master’s degree, a PhD studying how to stop tumor spread — and in 2025, the start of medical school.

His journey reflects KU Cancer Center’s commitment to developing the next generation of cancer researchers and physicians.

Learn more about this inspiring path from rural Kansas to medicine ➔

Researcher Levi Arnold reflects on his journey to medical school.

03/02/2026

Jenny Johnson is a lifelong nonsmoker living with stage 4 lung cancer. She’s turned her diagnosis into advocacy—raising awareness about screening, treatment advances and hope for others.

02/28/2026

"Rare diseases are all around us. Disease is only rare if you don’t have it…

Rarity requires interdisciplinary specialization and uncommon expertise, like that at the KU Cancer Center and Children’s Mercy in Kansas City."

– Jeffrey Weitzel, MD, FACMG, Professor and Director, Division of Precision Prevention

02/27/2026

We’re excited to share that two of our members, Bret Freudenthal, PhD, and Anthony Fehr, PhD, have been named recipients of the University Scholarly Achievement Award, one of The University of Kansas' highest honors for research excellence.
Each year, KU recognizes four outstanding scholars whose work is making a meaningful impact in their fields. Read more about all four awardees:

The annual award at the University of Kansas recognizes significant research or scholarly achievement across the Lawrence and KU Medical Center campuses and is typically presented in each of four categories.

02/26/2026

The first of its kind at any NCI-designated cancer center, the new program will advance the understanding of the link between cancer and obesity.

02/26/2026

The University of Kansas Cancer Center has launched a first‑of‑its‑kind research program exploring the link between obesity and cancer. With obesity projected to surpass to***co as the leading cause of cancer, this effort brings together experts in molecular biology, nutrition, exercise science and more to develop interventions that improve metabolic health and reduce cancer risk. Read the full story:

The first of its kind at any NCI-designated cancer center, the new program will advance the understanding of the link between cancer and obesity.

02/24/2026

A new era in cancer research is taking shape at The University of Kansas Cancer Center.

Last spring, leaders and community supporters gathered at 39th & Rainbow in Kansas City, Kansas, to celebrate the groundbreaking of our newest facility. The building will house state-of-the-art labs, clinics and a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility focused on expanding access to cellular therapies like CAR T-cell treatment.

Today, only about 30% of eligible patients nationwide can access these lifesaving therapies due to limited manufacturing capacity. This new facility will help us produce treatments locally — bringing cutting-edge care closer to the patients who need it most.

Learn how this expansion is shaping the future of cancer care ➔

Construction is underway at our new facility, where cellular therapy will revolutionize cancer care.

02/23/2026

Diagnosed while pregnant, Reggie Hong finds hope through safe chemotherapy and specialized cancer care.

02/20/2026

Testing for certain features in cancer (called biomarkers) can tell doctors about what’s causing the cancer to grow. The myeloMATCH study is for adults just diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). It uses advanced biomarker testing to try to match patients with a myeloMATCH clinical trial for cancer treatment. Ask your doctor to learn more. You can also call 1-800-4-CANCER or visit https://swog.org/myeloMATCH