Courage Over Cancer

Siblings in remission race to honor everyday cancer heroes — and each other

On April 5, more than a thousand participants gathered for the annual Give Cancer the Boot Survivorship 5K and 1-Mile Walk, dedicated to honoring survivors and supporting those still in treatment.

Breast cancer research with global impact

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that help protect the body by fixing damaged DNA and keeping cells healthy. When these genes have changes, or mutations, they don’t work the way they should. This can raise the risk of certain cancers, like breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancer. These inherited mutations affect about 1 in every 200 to 300 people — over a million in the U.S. alone.

Texas Public Radio: The importance of getting screened for colon cancer

Alicia Logue, MD, associate professor, Department of Surgery, was interviewed for this episode of The Source.   Listen Now

Promising cancer researcher, Falzone, receives UT System Rising STARs award

Maria E. Falzone, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology in the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio), has received a $150,000 UT Science and Technology Acquisition and Retention (STARs) award from the […]

Targeted drug offers hope for safe, effective senolytic treatment for liver disease, cancer

San Antonio has one of the highest rates of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in the United States, largely driven by high rates of obesity and diabetes in the region. This chronic liver condition can lead to serious health conditions including severe liver fibrosis or cirrhosis and liver cancer, posing a significant public health […]

CPRIT awards UT Health San Antonio $3.2 million to accelerate cancer research, launch novel clinical trial

  The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) received more than $3.19 million in new academic research awards as part of the latest $68 million funding round announced on February 19 by the Cancer Research Prevention Institute of Texas (CPRIT). The state agency, which focuses on the fight […]

Cracking cancer’s code: New research identifies novel drug target for acute myeloid leukemia treatment

Despite advances in cancer treatment in recent years, five-year survival rates for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remain low at just 30% on average, according to the National Cancer Institute. Factors in the development of AML are diverse with many different drivers. A longtime goal for scientists in this field is finding a single drug that can treat all types of AML.

New book provides big recommendations from the Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos Conference

Research findings, strategies target the leading cause of Latino death With cancer still rising in the U.S. Latino population, leaders at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) and national cancer experts have published an online book with innovative recommendations to reduce Latino cancer. The book, “Advancing the […]

Renowned oncologist, Zheng, brings $500,000 UT System STARs award to UT Health San Antonio

  Lei Zheng, MD, PhD, executive director of the Mays Cancer Center at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio), has been awarded a $500,000 Translational Science and Technology Acquisition and Retention (STARs) award from The University of Texas System to elevate his research into monitoring pancreatic tumor […]

Where tomorrow’s breakthroughs begin: UT Health San Antonio’s first hospital opens, merging comprehensive care, innovation

This article is featured in the December 2024 issue of San Antonio Medicine Magazine. As the golden sun peeks over the Hill Country skyline, UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital begins to stir with the promise of a new day. A physician-scientist steps purposefully through the sleek glass entrance into an atrium bathed […]

Two UT Health San Antonio scientists awarded V Foundation grants to advance innovative cancer research

This year in the United States, it is projected that more than 2 million people will be diagnosed with cancer. Additionally, more than 600,000 people will die of the disease — an average of nearly 1,680 each day. The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and basketball coach Jim Valvano […]

Life, legacy of 2024 Basser Global Prize winner Patrick Sung

World-renowned biochemist and expert on the roles of BRCA1 and BRCA 2 in DNA repair, Patrick Sung, DPhil, director of the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute and associate dean for research at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) was recently recognized as the 2024 recipient of the […]

Center for Pain Therapeutics and Addiction Research earns first NIH grant

The School of Dentistry earned the first National Institutes of Health grant under its new Center for Pain Therapeutics and Addiction Research, addressing pain in patients with head and neck carcinoma.

UT Health San Antonio world-renowned expert in BRCA research to be honored for global contributions

  Patrick Sung, DPhil, director of the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute and associate dean for research at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) is the latest recipient of the 2024 Basser Global Prize. A leading researcher in the field of DNA damage repair and cancer biology, Sung has been awarded the […]

Mays Cancer Center radiation oncologist recognized as outstanding mentor to next generation leaders

  David Gius, MD, PhD, professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology and assistant dean of research at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio), was named this year’s recipient of the prestigious American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Career Recognition Mentorship Award. David Gius, MD, PhD Gius is associate cancer center director […]

Game-changing prostate cancer treatment available at UT Health San Antonio

  One in eight men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. Of those, one in 44 men will die of the disease. Those statistics from the American Cancer Society are startling. But men facing an advanced prostate cancer diagnosis who are seeking additional treatment options now have one more arrow in their quiver to […]

Oral health’s hidden role in cancer care

Dental care is crucial for cancer patients and survivors to help reduce complications, improve treatment tolerance and enhance overall quality of life, according to oral medicine specialist Tiffany Tavares, DDS, DMSc.

Henrich, new hospital supporters recognized at Luminary event

  The stars aligned perfectly during a night of celebration at the second annual President’s Luminary Honors event at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. The annual event, which took place at the soon-to-open UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital, paid tribute to the legacy of William L. Henrich, […]

Renowned cancer researcher brings $500,000 UT System Faculty STARs award to UT Health San Antonio

  Simon Gayther, PhD, professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology in the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine and founding director in the school’s Center for Inherited Oncogenesis at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio), received a $500,000 UT System […]

Gene-mutation pathway discovery paves way for targeted blood cancers therapies

  Approximately 30% of individuals with myeloid malignancy diseases have a mutation in a certain gene called tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2). This gene is responsible for providing instructions on creating certain proteins and is known to have a tumor-suppressive function. A study published October 2 in Nature is the first to explain the pathway […]

UT Health San Antonio offers new fertility preservation technique for cancer patients

  Female cancer patients at the Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, have a new option to preserve their fertility before undergoing treatment. “It is extremely common that cancer patients will experience the loss of fertility and early menopause after gonadotoxic therapies required for many cancer patients,” said […]

UT Health San Antonio creates innovative organoid for advancing understanding of pancreatic cancer 

  Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a certain type of pancreatic cancer, is a ruthless killer with an average five-year survival rate of less than 10%. Most patients are diagnosed at a late stage when the cancer has already spread throughout their bodies. And the problem is only growing worse. By 2030, pancreatic cancer is expected […]

UT Health San Antonio awarded $12.6 million program grant for cancer research

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio  (UT Health San Antonio) was recently awarded a $12.6 million program project grant (P01) from the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute to expand collaborative efforts to explore the biological mechanisms of BRCA1, BRCA2 and related tumor suppressors and to shed light on potential […]

UT Health San Antonio appoints alumnus as new executive director of Mays Cancer Center

  Lei Zheng, MD, PhD, alumnus of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio), has been appointed executive director of Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio and vice president for oncology for the health science center, effective Sept. 1, 2024. Zheng will also be named the Mays Family Foundation Distinguished […]

$2 million CPRIT award brings top cancer researcher to UT Health San Antonio

  As part of the $52 million Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) grant funding round announced in May, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) received a $2 million CPRIT recruitment (CPRIT Scholar) funding award to bring top cancer researcher, Maria Falzone, PhD, to the […]

Drug shows promise for treating brain tumors resulting from breast cancer, UT Health San Antonio trial reports

  A drug effective in treating breast cancer shows new promise in addressing breast cancer with brain metastases or recurrent glioblastoma, as reported by results of a prospective window-of-opportunity trial at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio). The window trial, in which patients agreed to receive a novel […]

Mays Cancer Center receives life-saving gift from American Heart Association to support cancer patients

  Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, has partnered with the American Heart Association to support patients with breast cancer undergoing treatment. The American Heart Association has contributed a $2,000 grant for hypertension and food insecurity clinical programs, 75 blood pressure monitors, and 100 $25 Healthy Rewards Coupons for boxes […]

New breathing technique at Mays Cancer Center protects healthy tissue from radiation treatment

The simple act of holding a breath during a radiation cancer treatment called deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) could mean the difference between irradiating healthy tissue and sparing it, according to Neil Newman, MD, a radiation oncologist for Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center.

American Cancer Society awards nearly $1 million to UT Health San Antonio cancer researcher

Zhijie “Jason” Liu, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Molecular Medicine in the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) and CPRIT (Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas) Scholar in Cancer Research, received a grant from […]

Luan receives $100,000 UT System Rising STARs award to research pediatric blood cancers among Hispanics

Yu Luan, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy in the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) received a UT System Rising STARs (Science and Technology Acquisition and Retention) award in the amount […]

Treating the rise of colorectal cancer with personalized care

In some cases, colorectal cancer patients have tumors that are inoperable and spread to the liver. For these patients, the Mays Cancer Center offers a specialized chemotherapy delivery system called hepatic artery infusion, also known as HAI pump therapy.

Cancer survivors and their supporters celebrate life, raise funds during annual 5K

  Misty skies didn’t dampen the spirits of the more than 900 runners and walkers who participated in the 7th annual Give Cancer the Boot Survivorship 5K and 1 Mile Walk on April 6 at Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center. Some raised their arms in triumph, others danced, […]

Clinical trial tackles the question of how much treatment is enough for prostate cancer

  According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 3 million men are living with prostate cancer in the United States. Of those, survivorship after five years is 97 percent. With patients living longer and physicians seeing younger patients with this type of cancer, learning the best ways to treat patients and providing a better […]

Guarding against the silent threat of oropharyngeal cancer

A recent study stated that oropharyngeal cancer rates have now surpassed cervical cancer as the most common cancer associated with HPV in the country. Experts are urging a younger generation to be aware and seek treatment if there is a concern.

Drs. Thomas Patterson, David Gius accepted into the prestigious Association of American Physicians

Exclusive scientific organization honors outstanding physician-scientists. Thomas Patterson, MD, and David Gius, MD, PhD, two top physician-scientists at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio), have been accepted into the prestigious Association of American Physicians for the advancement of scientific and practical medicine. Patterson is professor of medicine […]

Colorectal cancer leading cause of cancer death among young men

According to a report by the American Cancer Society released in January, colorectal cancer is now the primary cause of cancer-related deaths among young men under 50 and the second leading cause among women in the same age group. The rise in younger men and women developing colon cancer is a trend Alicia Logue, MD, […]

CPRIT awards approximately $16.4 million to advance children’s cancer research and attract top researchers to South Texas

Content contributed by Steven Lee The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) has secured approximately $16.4 million in funding from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) since last August, which will be utilized to help advance research into cancers that affect children and adolescents as […]

Give Cancer the Boot: Survivorship 5K/1 Mile Walk registration open

  Register today and join cancer survivors, families and other supporters for the 7th annual Give Cancer the Boot: Survivorship 5K/1 Mile Walk on April 6 at the Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center. Take advantage of early bird registration for $30 until March 4. Registration fees increase […]

Cancer prevention strategies: Love your heart, love your health

Unlock the secrets of a surprising alliance: heart health and cancer prevention. Discover tips for a heart-healthy lifestyle, from exercise to mindful eating, offering a shield against disease.

Sticking together is key for family's cancer journey

The family’s patriarch, Guillermo Durazo, Jr. — Willie to his friends and family — woke up at 4 a.m. with chest pains. The 72-year-old veteran and retired entrepreneur had bouts of diverticulitis; he associated the pain with the condition and went to the emergency room for treatment.

Little did Willie Durazo, Jr. know that his quick action not only saved his life but would take him and his family on an eight-month journey through cancer.

Sticking together is key for family’s cancer journey

  With the early morning sun peeking over the horizon and the scent of freshly brewed coffee permeating their kitchen, the Durazo family is sharing memories. At times, their voices are husky with emotion, while other times, they openly laugh as they talk about the Monday following Mother’s Day in 2021. The family’s patriarch, Guillermo […]

Caring for your furry friends: A pet owners guide during cancer treatment

Embarking on a cancer treatment journey doesn't mean neglecting your furry friends. Learn the essential do's and don'ts to create a supportive environment for your pets. From communicating with your care team to navigating potential health risks, this guide ensures your pets thrive while you focus on your well-being.

Radiation oncology associate professor receives $500,000 UT System Faculty STARs award

Justin Leung, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology in the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (also called UT Health San Antonio), has received a Science and Technology Acquisition and Retention (STARs) $500,000 award from The University of Texas Board […]

Five exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor

Strengthening the pelvic floor is vital for overall health. Key exercises include kegels, bridge pose, squats, pelvic tilts, and bird-dog. Aim to perform these exercises 2-3 times a week for optimal results. Strengthening your pelvic floor helps prevent common issues and promotes overall wellness and a higher quality of life.

Five New Year's resolutions for cancer patients

Embark on a journey of hope and renewal in the new year with our blog on tailored resolutions for cancer survivors and fighters. Prioritize self-care, set realistic nutrition and fitness goals, cultivate a supportive community, embrace mindfulness, and envision a future with optimism. Celebrate every victory with self-compassion.

SWOG Cancer Research Network appoints Chul Soo Ha, MD, to Radiation Oncology Chair

Chul Ha, MD, professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology, has been appointed chair of SWOG’s radiation oncology committee. 

Mays Cancer Center hosts annual breast cancer symposium, addresses care and advancements in treatment

Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio, in partnership with the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), is hosting the 46th annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center on Dec. 5-9. This scientific and education symposium, initiated and owned by Mays Cancer Center, is the world’s largest […]

Navigating the balancing act: Working while battling cancer

Receiving a cancer diagnosis introduces a myriad of challenges, with maintaining work commitments during treatment being a significant concern. However, it's possible to strike a balance between health and professional growth with the right strategies and support - this blog explores how.

Concentrated approach in chemotherapy comes to Mays Cancer Center, gives hope to patients with inoperable liver tumors

  Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, proudly announces the launch of a specialized chemotherapy delivery system called hepatic artery infusion, also known as HAI pump therapy, for colorectal cancer patients whose tumors are inoperable and have spread to the liver. Approved by the US Food and Drug […]

The Role of Palliative Care in Cancer Treatment: Enhancing the Quality of Life

Palliative care plays an important role in cancer treatment. It provides support including management of symptoms, enhanced communication with loved ones and help with decision-making. This blog explores how palliative care can enhance the quality of life through a holistic approach.

Mays Cancer Center partners with American Cancer Society to increase lung cancer screenings in South Texas

Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, is partnering with the American Cancer Society to spread awareness and encourage more at-risk South Texans to screen for lung cancer.

CPRIT grant to support HPV vaccination of childhood cancer survivors

  A grant of nearly $1 million from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) will expand a program of vaccination for human papillomavirus (HPV) among survivors of childhood cancer. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection, but […]

Bewitched and Safe: Celebrating Halloween During Cancer Treatment

Halloween, a beloved holiday for countless, provides the perfect opportunity to unleash your creativity, don imaginative costumes, and savor delectable treats. Yet, for cancer patients, this bewitching season can pose unique challenges. The secret to a successful Halloween lies in striking that delicate equilibrium: relishing the festivities while safeguarding your health.

New Director of Practice Operations for Clinical Nursing

Maria Aileen Wilkinson, MSN, MBA, RN, brings her extensive nursing leadership experience to the Mays Cancer Center as the new director of practice operations for clinical nursing. With a strong academic background, including ongoing doctoral studies and a decade of managerial success, Wilkinson's mission is to enhance patient care and operational efficiency through innovative, evidence-based practices.

New research led by Mays Cancer Center reveals how mutations in BRCA1 affect cancer susceptibility in women

Three decades after discoveries linking mutations in the BRCA1 gene to breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility, research led by Mays Cancer Center at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) has pinpointed the molecular mechanism by which a large portion of these mutations cause cancers in women. The […]

Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio identifies possible markers for early metastatic lung cancer

Researchers at Mays Cancer Center at The University of Texas Health Science at San Antonio have identified protein markers that could signal for early development of metastatic lung cancer, providing possibilities for new treatment. The findings already have led to a five-year, $1.6 million grant from the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of […]

Nourish: Cranberry flax pumpkin bread

This bread is sure to be a holiday favorite. It brings together two of the season's most beloved flavors: cranberry and pumpkin, to create a tasty, disease-fighting treat.

UT Health San Antonio receives $500,000 Hyundai Hope on Wheels® grants to help fund fight against childhood cancer

Elizabeth Orcutt first learned about Li-Fraumeni syndrome — a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome that increases the risk of certain types of cancers — in October of 2019 after her then 6-year-old daughter Lydia Orcutt woke up feeling unwell. “She was extra, extra cuddly and complained of a stomach ache,” Orcutt recalled. “Her symptoms rapidly escalated […]

San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium registration open

Registration is open for the 46th annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, Dec. 5–9, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Experts will lead symposium discussions on clinical, translational and basic research. Attendees will receive information on experimental biology, etiology, prevention, diagnosis and therapy of breast cancer and premalignant breast disease. Click here to register. 

New faculty announcement

Jane Mattei, MD, joined Mays Cancer Center as a medical oncologist specializing in melanoma and other skin cancers and Gary Lewis, MD, has started as a radiation oncologist specializing in gynecologic brachytherapy and head and neck cancers.

Mays Cancer Center’s latest radiation therapy reduces treatment times, increases favorable outcomes for prostate cancer

Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, introduces the newest technology in treating prostate cancer. This innovative method is called stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), a minimally invasive therapy using high amounts of radiation with millimeter precision to destroy tumors in the prostate. Stereotactic body radiation therapy is a […]

Tonya Randolph's caregiving journey

Senior registered nurse Tonya Randolph, RN, knows firsthand the lifesaving impact UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center can make on a loved one with a cancer diagnosis.

NIH grant to boost ovarian cancer drug development

The Mays Cancer Center and Evestra Inc., a San Antonio, Texas-based biopharmaceutical company, have been awarded a five-year, $3.3 million Academic Industry Partnership grant from the National Institutes of Health.

Boosting Hispanic representation in cancer research

The Mays Cancer Center has been named a founding partner of the Advancing Inclusive Research Site Alliance, a coalition of clinical research sites seeking to advance the representation of diverse patient populations in clinical trials.

Clinical trial gives women with gene mutation power over disease

    When Juana Padron, a 40-year-old mother of four, chose to have a genetic test, going against her friends and family’s advice was the last thing on her mind. Padron’s aunt died from breast cancer, and she watched her sister endure two surgeries and chemotherapy as she successfully fought off ovarian cancer. Her primary […]

Nourish: Ragu pizza

This healthier version of pizza is high in fiber and protein which makes it a great alternative to the beloved traditional dish!

Therapy for cancer patients

Did you know that we offer individual therapy 

Nourish: Turkey wrap

This 5-minute wrap is both easy and full of cancer-fighting fruit and vegetables along with essential vitamins. It's perfect for a quick lunch on the go!

What to expect during a chemotherapy session

Whether you're a caregiver or undergoing treatment yourself, here are helpful tips to prepare you for chemotherapy.

Amelie Ramirez recognized for exceptional leadership in promoting health equity

Amelie Ramirez, DrPH, MPH, of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio has won the 2023 Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI) Cancer Health Equity Award. The award recognizes exceptional leadership in promoting health equity, mitigating cancer disparities, and advocating for diversity and inclusion at a cancer center. Ramirez is associate director […]

Snacks on the go for caregivers

It might be easy to skip meals when caring for someone going through treatment, but it's important to take care of yourself, too.

Feeding tube tips for caregivers

Some caregivers might feel guilty about eating in front of their loved ones who use feeding tubes.

Lydia Herrera appointed as Director of Oncology Pharmacy Operations

We are excited to announce that Lydia Herrera, PharmD, MBA, has been appointed the director of oncology pharmacy operations position at the Mays Cancer Center.

Disparities discussed at San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium

Researchers from the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio presented results of multiple lines of study during the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, operated in conjunction with the American Association of Cancer Research.

Nourish: Chocolate pudding surprise

This delightful chocolate pudding with a surprise ingredient is a great option when you're craving something sweet. 

Cervical cancer symptoms that should not be ignored and screening guidelines

Yasmin Lyons, DO, explains the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer along with screening guidelines.

Cryo-EM technology brings the study of tumors to a molecular level

UT Health San Antonio is investing $5 million over the next three years in cryo-electron microscopy technology that will help investigators of the Mays Cancer Center study tumors and help researchers of the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute to study childhood cancers.

Nourish: Sweet creamy smoothie

This smoothie is creamy, hydrating and a great calorie booster. It's filled with potassium, digestive enzymes, and will give you a great boost of energy.

New discoveries in pediatric cancer research

The findings from recent research studies in pediatric cancer offer hope for drug development.

New discovery: Compounds that target enzyme, MAP4K3

Daruka Mahadevan, MD, PhD, division chief, hematology-oncology, director of the Institute of Drug Development and associate director for clinical research at Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio and his team have identified a series of small molecule compounds that target an enzyme, MAP4K3, important to amino acid signaling in autophagy, impacting neurologic diseases and cancer.

Understanding genetic testing, its benefits and who should consider getting it

Natalie Poullard, MA, MS, CGC, sits down to explain the importance of genetic testing.

First lady Jill Biden visits Mays Cancer Center

In February 2022, first lady Jill Biden toured the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio and praised its efforts in addressing disparities in cancer rates among Hispanics.

Nourish: Southwest vegetable frittata

Start your day with this southwest vegetable frittata! This frittata is healthy, easy and full of flavor.

Cancer and sun safety: protecting your skin during summer months

Using sun protection every day is essential to keep your skin happy and healthy, but it becomes increasingly necessary during the summertime. Check out these tips to keep your skin safe this season.

Nourish: Beet salad with peaches and walnuts

Celebrate this summer and dig into this vibrant salad that contains fiber, potassium and vitamin C as well as cancer fighting anthocyanins and polyphenols.

Surgical options for colorectal cancer

Alicia Logue, MD, sits down to explain the surgical options for colorectal cancer.

Mays Cancer Center awards and honors

A summary of several of the many awards and honors received by Mays Cancer Center and its researchers during Fiscal Year 2022. 

A year of transformative progress

UT Health San Antonio's Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine Dean Robert Hromas, MD, identifies four areas of focus of the Mays Cancer Center in its quest to end cancer for communities in South Texas and beyond.

Nourish: Chickpea tacos perfect for a plant-based diet

This quick and easy recipe from our Nourish Series makes it easy to add protein to a plant-based diet while also being delicious!

Understanding breast cancer signs, symptoms and risks

Marcela Mazo Canola, MD, helps us understand breast cancer signs, symptoms and risks.

Nourish: Almond-crusted, baked chicken tenders

These almond-crusted, baked chicken tenders will be a crowd pleaser at any party! They're tasty and crunchy — just like deep-fried tenders — but these are full of healthy fats, fiber and vitamin E.

Head and neck cancer: signs, symptoms and treatment

Devi Meyyappan, MD, sits down to explain the signs, symptoms, and treatments of head and neck cancers.

Promising compound kills range of hard-to-treat cancers

Ratna Vadlamudi, PhD, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Mays Cancer Center, is researching compounds that can target cancer cells to stop their growth.

Nourish: Avocado toast

Fuel your body and satisfy your taste buds with this irresistible avocado toast! This recipe is high in fiber and protein, making it the perfect recipe for anyone to try.

Treatment options for lymphedema caused by cancer

Anton Fries, MD, sits down to explain cancer cancer-related lymphedema and its treatment options.

Exploring technological advances in patient treatment

Mays Cancer Center is at the forefront of technology-assisted surgical treatments that are improving patient recovery.

The purpose and benefits of cancer rehabilitation

Brian Fricke, MD, sits down to explain cancer rehabilitation along with its purpose and benefits.

Lowry Mays — cancer philanthropist, survivor, warrior

This tribute celebrates philanthropist Lowry Mays and his family for their role in growing the mission of the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio.

The biology of cancer

Mays Cancer Center researchers are making significant strides in understanding risk factors and conditions that cause cancers to develop and progress and assessing impacts on the health and recovery of patients with cancer.

The provision of patient-centered care

The Mays Cancer Center is exploring holistic therapies and approaches in comprehensive evidence-based prevention, treatment and patient recovery, and expanding services and programs to address the specific needs of patients and family members at each stage of cancer care.

The intersection of research and practice

The Mays Cancer Center is testing new treatments to enhance and extend the life of patients with cancer and translating leading-edge research into new drugs and technology-assisted procedures that are improving patient health and recovery.

Cancer Warrior: Debra Hedgepeth is fighting cancer every step of the way

Senior Registered Nurse at Mays Cancer Center, Debra Hedgepeth, has devoted her life to help patients fight cancer one by one.

Cancer Warrior: Yvonne Martinez beat breast cancer with self-determination

Amidst the rise of COVID-19 and losing her job, the unthinkable happened: Yvonne Martinez was diagnosed with aggressive triple-negative breast cancer.

People who preserve ‘immune resilience’ live longer, resist infections

Multinational study identifies immune resilience as a factor that influences life span, HIV/AIDS, flu, sepsis mortality, recurrent skin cancer and COVID-19 mortality Researchers from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, working with collaborators in five countries, today revealed that the capacity to resist or recover from infections and other sources of […]

Cancer Warrior: Leonel Rodriguez defies odds with clinical trial

After Leonel Rodriguez was diagnosed with an aggressive, incurable form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2019, he was told he only had a few months to live.

Mays Cancer Center ranks nationally in clinical trial enrollments

  The Mays Cancer Center at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio has ranked fourth in the nation for clinical trial enrollments among over a thousand institutions that are members of SWOG Cancer Research Network, formerly known as the Southwestern Oncology Group. SWOG is an organization supported by the National Cancer […]

Dietary management for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

Along with medications, dietary management is crucial for patients to reduce chemotherapy-induced symptoms like nausea and vomiting.

Mays Cancer Center conducts only clinical trial in America of a specific drug combination for lethal brain cancer glioblastoma

An improvement in 6-month progression-free survival warrants additional study in a larger trial, researchers said. The Mays Cancer Center at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio recently conducted a clinical trial combining two drugs in patients with recurrent, high-grade glioblastoma (GBM). The Mays Cancer Center, one of the four National Cancer […]

Shedding light on the link between skin tone and skin cancer risk

While skin cancer can affect anyone, people with fair skin are twice as likely to develop skin cancer than those with darker skin complexions.

Molecule shows potential to combat treatment resistance in brain tumor glioblastoma

Glioblastoma-impacted mice lived longer when treated with combination of molecule drug and chemotherapy agent Glioblastoma (GBM), a highly devastating brain tumor, has long posed challenges as effective treatments have remained elusive. Despite responding initially to treatment, GBM patients often experience therapy resistance leading to low long-term survival rates, with only 7.2% of patients surviving beyond […]

National Nurses Week Highlight - Kayla Chamberlin RN

A research nurse might differ from others in her field, but Kayla still focuses on caring for her patients. 

National Nurses Week Highlight - Mary Paige Cokerham, RN

Mary Paige was driving home with her husband after the funeral of a young family member when she told him she wanted to be a nurse.

National Nurses Week Highlight - Tori Martin, RN

Victoria (Tori) Martin will never forget her first pediatric patient while working in radiation oncology.

National Nurses Week Highlight - Melissa Delgado, RN

Melissa Delgado was in awe of nurses and doctors as a child. One day her pediatrician asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up.

National Nurses Week Highlight - Rhonda Swift, RN

The nurses at Mays Cancer Center are second to none. This week we are highlighting a few of our wonderful nurses for National Nurses Week.

Ovarian Cancer: Early detection can help save lives

Ovarian cancer is responsible for more deaths than any other cancers of the female reproductive system and is the fifth leading cause of cancer death.

Coping with the Emotional Challenges of Cancer

Coping with the physical side effects of cancer treatment can be challenging, but the emotional side effects can be just as difficult to manage. 

Gear Up Against Kids Cancer bike race set for April 1

  The second Gear Up Against Kids Cancer bike race will take place this Saturday, April 1, in Wilson County. Proceeds from the event will fund laboratory science at the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, which is part of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. “The event motto is ‘When Fighting […]

Spring is a great time to consider growing foods that help reduce cancer risk

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, eating a primarily plant-based diet is linked to a reduction in the risk of several types of cancers.

Watch us grow

The UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital is expected to open in 2024. When complete, the hospital will be eight stories tall; will house 12 operating rooms, 144 beds and state-of-the-art technology; and have a sky bridge connecting it to the Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson. The […]

Early detection is key: The importance of colorectal cancer screenings

Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum and typically develops slowly over several years, starting as small, noncancerous growths called

Welcome our new Registered Dietitians

Dietitians are nutrition experts who help patients manage the side effects of cancer treatment, slow or stop unintended weight loss and feel stronger.

Study shows immunotherapy before and after surgery for advanced melanoma lowers recurrence

Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio melanoma expert Monte Shaheen, MD, was part of a team of investigators that conducted a phase II clinical trial to determine the efficacy and safety of administering the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab before and after surgery in high-risk melanoma patients.

Amelie Ramirez named to San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame

  Amelie Ramirez, DrPH, MPH, leader of Salud America! at UT Health San Antonio, is among 15 new inductees to the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame. The San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame has annually inducted women from Bexar and surrounding counties who have shaped the future of San Antonio and paved the way for women […]

KSAT 12: Lymphedema Treatment Act will cover what health insurance doesn’t

Anton Fries, MD, PhD, chief, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, was interviewed for this news segment.   Watch Now

Mays Cancer Center led studies of innovative breast cancer drug that recently gained FDA approval

The Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, was the lead site for a study evaluating Phase I and Phase III clinical trials for elacestrant, a treatment for postmenopausal women and adult men with ER+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Jan. 27 announced it approved the […]

New hope for treating the toughest cancers

The Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio — South Texas’ only National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Center — is putting a decades-old antidepressant drug to new use treating breast cancers that don’t respond to existing therapies. Research in the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio provided […]

Living Beyond Cancer symposium scheduled for January

  Cancer survivors, cancer patients, friends, family and caregivers are invited to attend Living Beyond Cancer A-Z, a free symposium on Jan. 21, put on by the Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center. It will feature a full day of learning, empowerment and discovery and will take place […]

Sign up today for the Living Beyond Cancer A-Z Symposium

Professor and chair receives $1.5 million UT System Faculty STARs award to advance cancer drug development

Reuben S. Harris, PhD, professor and chair in the Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio), has received a UT System Faculty Science and Technology Acquisition and Retention (STARs) award in the amount of $1.5 million to establish his laboratory, assist […]

Mays Cancer Center awarded American Cancer Society grant to boost individualized, timely, equitable care

Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio has been awarded a $300,000 grant from the American Cancer Society to enhance individualized, timely and equitable access to care for cancer patients and their families. The effort will feature use of an innovative mobile app to provide nutritional support and real-time symptom management to patients undergoing anti-cancer treatment, particularly the underserved and those living long distances from the clinic.

Mays Cancer Center Partners with Nation’s Top Cancer Organizations to Endorse Initiative to Increase Lung Cancer Screening in the United States

Joint call to action urges individuals, providers and insurers to increase access to and utilization of low-dose CT screening for those at high risk for lung cancer Contact: Eileen Teves, 210-450-7239, tevese@uthscsa.edu SAN ANTONIO (Nov. 1, 2022) – Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, accounting for almost 25% of […]

‘We have an obligation to help others’

For teenager Arhan Rao, repurposing an antidepressant drug to treat cancer is the opening act in a career of serving patients by finding new ways to stop tumors. Contact: Will Sansom, 210-567-2579, sansom@uthscsa.edu SAN ANTONIO (Oct. 28, 2022) — As Arhan Rao, 17, watched his grandfather sicken with cancer and die three years ago, a goal […]

Experts support continued colonoscopy use to prevent and detect colorectal cancer

A recently published European study that minimizes the benefits of colonoscopy to prevent colorectal cancer diagnoses and deaths has several limitations and must not deter anyone 45 and older from being screened, experts from the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio said.

Experts support continued colonoscopy use to prevent and detect colorectal cancer

Mays Cancer Center/UT Health San Antonio panel responds to recent study Contact: Will Sansom, 210-567-2579, sansom@uthscsa.edu SAN ANTONIO (Oct. 27, 2022) — A recently published European study that minimizes the benefits of colonoscopy to prevent colorectal cancer diagnoses and deaths has several limitations and must not deter anyone 45 and older from being screened, experts […]

Consensus Statement from the Mays Cancer Center/UT Health San Antonio Joint Cancer Prevention and Screening Committee

The Mays Cancer Center/UT Health San Antonio Joint Cancer Prevention and Screening Committee includes clinicians and scientists from across UT Health.

How genetic testing could determine your risk of getting breast cancer

Natalie Poullard, MA, MS, CGC, a certified genetic counselor at Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, provides a brief understanding of genetic testing benefits, the types of tests available and what you can expect during an appointment.  Watch here

Understanding breast cancer signs, symptoms, and risks

Marcela Mazo Canola, MD, breast medical oncologist at Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses how breast cancer has impacted the Hispanic/Latino population and the importance of breast cancer screenings. She also shares the signs of symptoms, along with the risk factors and what women can do to […]

What you can expect from cancer rehabilitation

Brian Fricke, MD, director of cancer rehabilitation, at Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, shares what side effects patients may face after cancer treatment and how receiving therapy services can help with pain and symptom management, improve physical function and reduce overall caregiver burden. Watch here    

Welcoming our new chief of surgical oncology

Alexander Parikh MD, MPH, FACS, FSSO, has joined the Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center as chief of surgical oncology in the Division of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery. Dr. Parikh is a professor of surgery and holds the Paige Johnson Distinguished Chair of Oncology and is the […]

SA Cancer Council luncheon celebrates 38 years supporting Mays Cancer Center

A total donation of approximately $6.5 million to the Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson, was celebrated at the SA Cancer Council’s annual Beacon of Hope Luncheon Sept. 13. The luncheon raises funds for the Mays Cancer Center and honors the SA Cancer Council’s top volunteers. This year the luncheon […]

The Purpose and Benefits of Cancer Rehabilitation

Brian Fricke, MD, director of cancer rehabilitation, at Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, explains the benefits of our cancer rehabilitation program and how it can help patients with their overall function to restore their quality of life throughout their cancer journey. Watch here

CPRIT awards $8 million for Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute core labs

The Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) has announced two awards totaling $8 million to support research infrastructure at UT Health San Antonio’s Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, one of only two institutes in the U.S. dedicated solely to pediatric cancer research.

Lowry Mays remembered for steadfast support of cancer patients

Lowry Mays, who died Monday (Sept. 12, 2022), and his late wife, Peggy, were longtime supporters of the Mays Cancer Center, which is San Antonio’s only National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Center and one of four in Texas.

In Memoriam: Lowry Mays remembered for steadfast support of cancer patients

Contact: Will Sansom, 210-567-2579, sansom@uthscsa.edu SAN ANTONIO (Sept. 13, 2022) — On Jan. 30, 2018, a notable blow was struck against cancer when William L. Henrich, MD, MACP, president of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, announced that the Mays Family Foundation was increasing its legacy gift supporting the UT Health […]

Please welcome our newest faculty members joining the Mays Cancer Center.

Brittany Altermatt, ANP Gastrointestinal Oncology and Neuro-oncology   Brittany Altermatt, ANP, joined our medical oncology team as an adult nurse practitioner and will work with our gastrointestinal oncology and neuro-oncology clinics. She brings vast knowledge to the Mays Cancer Center, having had clinical experiences in inpatient and outpatient care, as well as managing multidisciplinary clinical trial […]

Multimillion-dollar NIH grant to boost innovative ovarian cancer drug development

The Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio and local partner Evestra Inc. have been awarded a five-year, $3.3 million Academic Industry Partnership grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It is the first grant of this kind awarded to UT Health San Antonio.

Welcome to our new Senior Director of Finance and Administration

Paymon Bagheri has joined the Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, as the senior director of finance and administration. Paymon is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), Fellow of the American College of Medical Practice Executives (FACMPE) and a certified Lean Six Sigma health […]

Oral pill improves care of patients with bone marrow cancer: Study

Momelotinib, an oral pill taken once a day, significantly improved outcomes of patients treated for myelofibrosis (MF), a rare but fatal bone marrow cancer, researchers reported June 7. Ruben Mesa, MD, FACP, executive director of the Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, presented results of the MOMENTUM phase 3 randomized […]

Mays Cancer Center featured for its value to the region’s population and economy

In a special section of the June 17, 2022, San Antonio Business Journal, experts from Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio discuss the broad scope of cancer patient care and lifesaving research taking place daily at the center and its value to the local community and regional economy.