Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

12/24/2025

Dr. Justin Balko discusses promising use of vaccine to prevent first cancer occurrence or recurrence in triple-negative breast cancer patients in recent NBC News article. Read more below.

In a Phase 1 trial, women responded well to the novel vaccine. More research is needed to determine whether it can stop the cancer from recurring or possibly prevent it entirely.

12/23/2025

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and veterans face an even higher incidence compared to the civilian population. To address this disparity, Dr. Lucy Spalluto and Dr. Jennifer Lewis at Vanderbilt Health have received a $1 million AstraZeneca grant to lead the REACH initiative. This four-year project will provide mobile low-dose CT screening through VA networks, expand eligibility beyond traditional guidelines, and include military-specific risk factors such as Agent Orange and burn pit exposure. The goal is to improve early detection and outcomes for high-risk veterans.

Read more in the comments.

12/22/2025

Could tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy transform cancer treatment? Dr. Douglas Johnson discusses this innovative approach and its potential to change outcomes for melanoma patients. Read his Q&A in the comments.

Share: Share on Facebook Share on Bsky Share on X Share on LinkedIn Share via Email Print: Print this article By: Leigh MacMillan Douglas Johnson, MD, MSCI, professor of Medicine, is clinical director for melanoma and associate director for Translational Research at Vanderbilt-Ingram. He holds the S...

12/19/2025

“Even moderate drinking can increase cancer risk,” says Dr. Wei Zheng of Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. Recent research and a U.S. Surgeon General advisory confirms there’s no safe amount of alcohol for health. Learn why limiting alcohol is best: https://my.vanderbilthealth.com/the-link-between-alcohol-and-cancer/

Even moderate drinking can increase the chances of getting at least seven types of cancer. “Previously we thought there was some health benefit to drinking moderately,” one of our cancer researchers points out. “But now there’s no evidence supporting any benefit.” Click the link in our comments for details.

12/11/2025

Kyle Stephens thought his time was running out when his Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma returned after chemotherapy. Today, thanks to CAR-T therapy at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, he is cancer-free and living life to the fullest by running half-marathons and even hiking Yosemite’s Half Dome.

CAR-T is an advanced immunotherapy that reengineers a patient’s own T-cells to fight cancer. Stephens’ doctor, Dr. Olalekan Oluwole, is part of the team that has made Vanderbilt-Ingram an international leader in cellular therapies. “The fact that we can now say many who responded to CAR-T therapy are cured of their lymphoma is truly remarkable,” says Oluwole.

12/11/2025

Cancer rates are among the highest in the southern U.S., but the role of environmental exposures remains unclear. The Southern Environmental Health Study aims to change that by recruiting 35,000 adults ages 40–70 from 17 states and Washington, D.C. Participants will complete a survey, wear a silicone wristband for seven days to capture environmental chemicals, and may optionally provide blood, urine, or saliva samples.

The study will examine factors like air and water pollution, heat, and “forever chemicals,” alongside behavioral and genetic influences. Compensation ranges from $5 to $45 depending on participation. Funded by the National Cancer Institute and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, this long-term study will follow participants for 10–20 years to better understand why cancer incidence and mortality are higher in the South.

Learn more or sign up at sehstudy.org.
https://news.vumc.org/2024/11/11/southern-environmental-health-study-recruiting-participants/

An ongoing study is helping assess whether environmental factors may be the culprits behind the higher cancer burden in southern states.

12/09/2025

Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) is helping us bring advanced cancer care to patients. Our surgical and radiation oncology teams, including Dr. Christina Bailey, Dr. Eric Shinahora, Dr. Natalie Lockney and Dr. Kamran Idrees, work together to use this innovative approach during complex surgeries for liver, pancreatic and biliary tract cancers.

With IORT, radiation is delivered directly to the area where the tumor was removed during surgery. This targeted treatment helps protect healthy tissue, reduces the need for extra radiation sessions, and allows patients to move forward with their care more quickly and safely.

Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is proud to be one of the few centers in the country offering this cutting-edge therapy. It is one of the ways we are working to provide the most effective, personalized care for our patients.

12/05/2025

It's recommended that men ages 55 to 69 talk with their doctor about checking prostate-specific antigen levels. Read more on prostate cancer.

12/05/2025

Our team came together to celebrate the holiday season with a festive luncheon filled with good food, laughter and plenty of holiday spirit! ❄ We enjoyed the annual Ugly Christmas Sweater contest and live music from the Nashville Music Medics, bringing an extra touch of holiday cheer to the celebration. 🎶✨ We also embraced the spirit of giving by hosting a toy drive to support Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. It was a meaningful way to connect as a team while making a positive impact in our community!

12/05/2025

Should you get a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test? Start by discussing it with your doctor. This is a common test to check for prostate cancer. Men ages 55 to 69 should talk with their doctor about the pros and cons of getting this test. Details about the benefits and risks are in the first comments.

It's recommended that men ages 55 to 69 talk with their doctor about checking prostate-specific antigen levels. Read more on prostate cancer.

12/04/2025

Total Health is the largest provider of free oncology medical education in the U.S. The CME programs at Total Health equip cancer care teams with the latest research and clinical strategies to improve patient outcomes. Register Today for a Free Program 9 Years Serving the Oncology Community • 400+...

12/04/2025

American Urological Association guidelines on genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Melissa Kaufman, MD, PhD, FACS Vanderbilt Health joins Alan Wein, MD, PhD, FACS University of Miami Miller School of Medicine to discuss these comprehensive guidelines containing 26 statements covering shared decision-making, screening and diagnosis, hormonal and non-hormonal interventions, energy-based treatments, cancer implications, and follow-up care. > bit.ly/45yl87a