2025 Markey Cancer Center Annual Report

The Kentucky Blueprint

The UK Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network stands as a premier model of innovation for rural cancer care. And it’s a model that resonates across state lines. When the University of Iowa set out to establish its own statewide network of rural cancer hospitals, they saw Markey not just as a resource, but as the essential blueprint for success.

A Tiny Fish Could Transform How We Treat Cancer in Kids

A tiny fish with translucent skin could make a big difference in how we treat patients with pediatric cancer — and the research is happening right here at the UK Markey Cancer Center.

Zebrafish are tropical freshwater fish native to South Asia, and they are particularly useful for cancer research, said Jessica Blackburn, PhD, Markey researcher and associate professor of molecular and cellular biochemistry. The fish can offer important insights into cancer biology, which in turn can power the discovery of less toxic and more effective treatments.

Joining Forces to Save Lives in Appalachia

Cervical cancer rates in Appalachia are some of the highest in the country. Researchers at the UK Markey Cancer Center wanted to change that through Take CARE (Improving Uptake of Cervical Cancer Prevention Services in Appalachia).

This multistate project looked at ways to prevent cervical cancer in an area of the country where women face challenges accessing healthcare and where there are lower rates of screening. It’s the kind of large-scale research that requires years of effort and millions of dollars, and it wouldn’t be possible without federal funding.

Hope on the Horizon

Two clinical trials underway at the UK Markey Cancer Center have the potential to change the way we treat pancreatic cancer and nonsmall cell lung cancer.

Markey — Kentucky’s National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center — is among an elite group of institutions offering groundbreaking new cancer vaccines that use the same mRNA technology behind the COVID-19 vaccines.

Blending Science & Support to Ease the Treatment Journey

The Oncology Pharmacy team at the UK Markey Cancer Center does so much more than just dispense medications. These highly specialized pharmacists are an integral part of a cancer care team that delivers advanced treatments to make a significant impact on patients’ lives.

Not only do they have deep knowledge and expertise managing complex cancer therapies, but they also provide expert guidance with compassionate leadership. It’s the kind of pharmacy team you’ll only find at Kentucky’s National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Kentucky Voices Resonate in Our Research

It’s not only scientists who make an impact on the vital cancer research happening at the UK Markey Cancer Center. People from all walks of life make a real difference, too.

At Markey, researchers partner with people and organizations in communities throughout Kentucky. These residents contribute unique insights that make research more relevant to people’s lives. And people who sign up to take part in research help speed up new advances for preventing and treating cancer. When researchers and communities work together, we get more breakthroughs and more cancer-free tomorrows.

Discovering New Ways to Share Science

The ability to communicate research findings is almost as important as the research itself.

When scientists use clear, accessible language, they can inform the public about their research in ways that spur even more discoveries and can be translated into real-world applications and societal benefits.

A recent competition at the UK Markey Cancer Center challenged PhD-level graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to present their research to a general audience and share how it benefits Kentuckians.

Building Better Cancer Care

Designing the new UK Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building was more than a job for architect Andrew Schneider – it was a calling.

An associate and project manager at Champlin | EOP Architecture, Schneider designed parts of the interior and exterior of the 550,000-square-foot facility that will serve as the new home for the UK Markey Cancer Center. Champlin | EOP partnered with HGA Architects from Minneapolis on the design for the building that will open in early 2028.

Empowering New Researchers

An innovative program at the UK Markey Cancer Center trains and supports the next generation of cancer researchers as they seek to improve patient outcomes and move us closer to a cure.

The Clinical Trials Bootcamp program helps junior faculty grow their ideas from a concept to a research study. Susanne Arnold, MD, the Markey Cancer Center’s first associate director for Clinical Translation, started the bootcamp in 2013. She saw the challenges junior faculty face in creating new clinical studies and wanted to give them the tools and support they need to succeed.