OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center

12/26/2025

Ten years ago, Norman resident Mike Schuster was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer with a survival rate of just 12–14 months. After surgeries failed, he joined an OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center Phase I clinical trial for OKN-007, an experimental drug developed at OMRF.

Less toxic and more targeted than traditional chemotherapy, the treatment likely boosted his survival. Stephenson Cancer Center neuro-oncologist Dr. James Battiste describes Mike as a leading figure in treatment and survivorship. His story highlights the impact of research and clinical trials on improving outcomes for aggressive cancers. Stephenson Cancer Center offers the state's only dedicated Phase I program, providing "first-in-human" access to new drugs and ranking among the nation's top programs.

You can see more of Mike's story on KWTV - NEWS 9's website here: https://brnw.ch/21wYEcV

12/19/2025

📅 Save the date!

Join us for our annual 10K/5K race and one-mile walk, Outpace Cancer, on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center.

This annual fundraiser brings the community together, creating support for those fighting cancer and their families.

Registration opens Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. Make sure to snag early-bird pricing, and you can help us reach our goal of raising $175,000 for cancer research and patient support.

Learn more at https://brnw.ch/21wYuYu

12/18/2025

New evidence is reshaping how cancer care is delivered in Oklahoma. Study co-author Dr. Christina Henson, OU Health Stephenson Cancer radiation oncologist, played a key role in a national clinical trial showing a survival benefit for patients treated with proton therapy.

The study, led by MD Anderson Cancer Center and published in The Lancet, represents one of the most significant updates to proton therapy protocols in years. This research moves the standard of care forward by demonstrating when and how proton therapy can improve outcomes, helping ensure patients receive the right treatment based on evidence, not availability.

“We treat many patients with proton therapy at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, and we fully expect the results of this study to make proton therapy an option for many more people,” shared Dr. Henson.

As the flagship academic health system of The University of Oklahoma, OU Health is helping lead the science that guides clinical decision-making nationwide. This is what it looks like when research and patient care work hand in hand — advancing knowledge, improving outcomes, and delivering cancer care backed by the strongest evidence.

12/17/2025

We’re happy to share that the University of Oklahoma has received a $25 million grant from the TSET toward funding the new OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center on the Schusterman Campus in Tulsa.

This project, housing the newly named TSET Clinical Research Center, will significantly expand access to clinical trials and cancer care in northeast Oklahoma.

As an NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Stephenson Cancer Center's flagship location currently offers around 300 clinical trials, providing patients access to innovative new drugs up to five years before they’re widely available. Our goal in Tulsa is to expand the access to cancer care and research services equivalent to that provided in Oklahoma City, including Phase 1–3 clinical trials, to address Oklahoma’s severe cancer burden as the state ranks fourth nationally in cancer deaths.

Expanding access to our research-driven cancer care is critical, especially when patients treated at an NCI-Designated Cancer Center have up to a 25% higher survival rate one year after diagnosis. OU Health's cancer care expansion is already underway across Oklahoma, with new cancer center locations opened in 2025 in both Norman and McAlester.

The new facility in Tulsa will span about 176,000 square feet and cost $189 million to build and is expected to open in 2028.

Learn more: https://link.ou.edu/495xRjQ

12/16/2025

We see you. We hear you. And we’re here for you.

At OU Health, we know life gets busy. Work. Family. Deadlines. The to-do list never ends. But today we want to talk about something that often falls off the list: your breast health.

One of our own recently shared her story — at age 44 she still hadn’t had that first mammogram. Why? Not because she couldn’t, but because it kept getting pushed aside. When she finally made the call and got her screening, in one hour the to-do was checked off her list and her results were available quickly! She walked away relieved.

Here’s what you should know:
➡️ Scheduling is fast. Four breast imaging locations in the Oklahoma City and Edmond area, including Saturday appointments.
➡️ No long prep. No extra worry. Just show up. Check in. Our team will walk you through it.
➡️ The exam isn’t what you imagine. There may be some compression, but it isn't scary.
➡️ We have you covered from beginning to end. If a screening leads to next steps, you’re in our network, including the only NCI-Designated Cancer Center in Oklahoma.

Here’s the ask: if you’ve been putting it off — stop. Schedule your mammogram. Take that step. Your future self will thank you.

Call us at 1 (800) 422-4626 to schedule an appointment. Let’s check this box together.

12/15/2025

Our new cancer center in McAlester is officially open, offering medical oncology, radiation oncology, chemotherapy, and infusion services in southeast Oklahoma.

Rural counties in our state have a 20-30% percent higher death rates for lung, colorectal, kidney, and cervical cancers. We are driven by our mission to ensure access to advanced cancer care is available for all Oklahomans.

Location Details
✅ Address: 901 N. Strong Blvd., McAlester, OK, 74501
✅ Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday
✅ Phone: (918) 421-4621

12/12/2025

Thank you to McAlester and surrounding communities for coming out to celebrate our new cancer center!

We had so much fun at our open house giving tours of the new space, enjoying local food and meeting members of the community.

We officially open on Monday, Dec. 15, and our newly remodeled center will offer medical oncology, radiation therapy, and infusion and chemotherapy services.

12/11/2025

When Ann Norton received a CT scan for an unrelated issue, she never could have imagined it would reveal a 1-centimeter nodule in her lung. A lifelong nonsmoker, Ann was stunned by the diagnosis — and even more by the invasive surgery first proposed: a massive incision, split ribs, and weeks in the hospital.

But Ann refused to settle for “old-fashioned medicine.” Her search for better options led her to OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center and thoracic surgeon Dr. J. Matthew Reinersman.

Using robotic surgery, Dr. Reinersman removed the nodule with just five tiny incisions, all smaller than a dime. This minimally invasive approach allowed Ann to go home just 24 hours after major lung surgery, a recovery that once took weeks!

✅ Faster recovery means patients can return to normal life sooner.
✅ Less pain and fewer complications compared to traditional surgery.
✅ OU Health leads Oklahoma in robotic-assisted thoracic surgery, with 75% of patients discharged within two days.

Today, Ann is cancer-free, tending her garden, and enjoying time with her grandchildren. Her journey also inspired her husband Larry to join our lung cancer screening program, catching health issues early before symptoms appear. That’s the difference preventive care makes.

Ann and her family’s story is more than a success, it’s a testament to the power of academic health. Never done. Never outdone. At Stephenson Cancer Center, we’re redefining what’s possible for cancer care in Oklahoma, because every patient deserves hope and healing close to home.

12/05/2025

12/04/2025

Dr. Abdul Rafeh Naqash, a leading oncologist at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, has been named a Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology — one of the highest honors in cancer care. The recognition is awarded to physicians who advance treatment, research and education while supporting patients.

💫 What does this mean for Stephenson Cancer Center patients? 💫

Dr. Naqash is a compassionate clinician and a nationally recognized researcher and educator. His work focuses on tailoring cancer treatments to each patient’s unique needs, especially through advanced immunotherapy and lung cancer research. He also leads clinical trials that bring the latest innovations directly to our patients.

This honor reflects the exceptional care available at OU Health and the strength of an academic health system. Through our combined missions of patient care, research and education, leaders like Dr. Naqash deliver world-class, personalized care — driven by innovation, guided by evidence and rooted in compassion.

12/03/2025

Starting Dec. 15, southeast Oklahomans facing a cancer diagnosis will no longer have to travel hours for advanced treatment. OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center — McAlester is opening its doors in a completely remodeled space at 901 N. Strong Blvd., delivering world-class cancer care close to home. This new center fulfills McAlester Regional Health Center's vision of ensuring patients receive the highest level of care without leaving their community.

Rural patients often face delays or missed treatments because of long travel times. Oklahoma’s cancer mortality rate is 14% higher than the national average, and rural counties see up to 30% higher death rates for certain cancers. This partnership between OU Health and McAlester Regional changes that reality. Patients will have access to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy with advanced technology and diagnostic services — all in a healing environment designed for comfort and dignity.

With bright, welcoming spaces and the most advanced technology, Stephenson Cancer Center — McAlester ensures families can stay together while receiving lifesaving care. OU Health is also working with local transportation providers to remove barriers, because cancer care should never depend on a tank of gas or a day off work. Together, we’re bringing hope home.

12/02/2025

We had a great time getting to know McAlester and the surrounding community during the McAlester Regional Annual Community Health Fair this month!

As presenting sponsor, we provided education materials, brought our mobile units, and our very own Chief Administrative Officer Ben Ikard gave a speech about our commitment to providing quality cancer care to all Oklahomans.

If you missed us at the health fair, join us at our Open House on Wednesday, Dec. 3, to see our newly-remodeled cancer center. This come-and-go event will be from 4-6 p.m. and include tours, food trucks, music and family-friendly activities.