In a landmark acknowledgment of its pioneering strides in oncology, the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio has been distinguished among the foremost cancer care and research institutions in the United States, as featured in Becker’s Hospital Review’s prestigious annual list of top cancer programs. This accolade marks the inaugural occasion that the Mays Cancer Center has received such a national honor, underscoring its ascent to the steely ranks of cancer centers that are pushing the boundaries of therapeutic innovation and translational research.
The recognition from Becker’s Hospital Review, a respected voice within healthcare analysis, highlights institutions that demonstrate unparalleled excellence in cancer research, innovative treatment modalities, and comprehensive patient care. The Mays Cancer Center’s inclusion is a testament to its sophisticated programs and the impactful outcomes it has generated for patients, particularly across the 38-county South Texas region it serves. The center’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge research with clinical practice sets a new benchmark for oncological care.
Central to the Mays Cancer Center’s distinguished status is its National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation, an elite status awarded to a select cadre of cancer centers demonstrating rigorous adherence to scientific and administrative criteria. Only four centers in Texas share this accolade, with Mays uniquely positioned as the singular NCI-designated center servicing South Texas. This status guarantees access to federally funded clinical trials and cements its role as a hub for groundbreaking research and experimental therapeutics.
Dr. Francisco Cigarroa, the senior executive vice president for health affairs and health system at The University of Texas at San Antonio, emphasized the profound significance of the designation. He framed the honor as a defining milestone that not only elevates the institution but also signifies a monumental step forward in the pursuit of transformative cancer therapies and enhanced patient outcomes on a national scale. The center exemplifies the synthesis of rigorous discovery science with compassionate patient care.
The Mays Cancer Center’s leadership under Dr. Lei Zheng, MD, PhD, the executive director, further exemplifies a culture of relentless innovation and dedication to collaborative interdisciplinary research. Dr. Zheng underscores that the accolade reflects years of strategic investments as well as the collective effort of a multidisciplinary team devoted to bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical application, ultimately delivering lifesaving therapies close to home for families in South Texas.
Established in 1974, the Mays Cancer Center has methodically evolved into a hub of cancer drug development and translational research excellence. Its multifaceted clinical programs span the continuum of oncology care, targeting a diverse array of malignancies with precision medicine approaches. These include early detection techniques, novel therapeutic regimens, and comprehensive supportive care, all underpinned by an expansive portfolio of over 180 active clinical trials.
This sprawling clinical trial network enables the Mays Cancer Center to offer patients access to some of the most innovative and emerging cancer treatments available anywhere globally. These trials are integral in assessing targeted agents, immunotherapies, and combinatorial approaches tailored to specific tumor biology, which hold promise for improving survival rates and quality of life for patients battling cancer.
Notably, the Mays Cancer Center’s impact extends beyond regional borders due to its partnership since 2017 with the MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the nation’s foremost comprehensive cancer centers. This alliance expands treatment options and elevates the standard of care, offering patients in South Texas direct access to advanced protocols and therapies that might otherwise require travel to distant metropolitan hubs.
The center’s research efforts are rooted in a deep commitment to deciphering the molecular underpinnings of various cancers, utilizing state-of-the-art genomic sequencing and biomarker discovery to enable personalized medicine strategies. These insights fuel the development of targeted therapies that transcend traditional chemotherapy, aiming to disrupt cancer signaling pathways with heightened specificity and reduced off-target toxicity.
Furthermore, the Mays Cancer Center prioritizes cancer prevention and early detection, recognizing that these domains are critical to reducing cancer incidence and mortality. Initiatives include comprehensive community outreach programs and educational campaigns designed to elevate awareness about modifiable risk factors and promote screening adherence, particularly within underserved populations in the region.
By integrating basic science, clinical research, and community engagement, the Mays Cancer Center exemplifies a holistic approach to oncology. It strives to address disparities in healthcare access while fostering generation of novel therapies capable of transforming the cancer treatment landscape. This comprehensive strategy ensures that scientific breakthroughs translate into tangible health benefits for patients and communities alike.
The acknowledgment by Becker’s Hospital Review affirms the center’s position at the vanguard of cancer research and care. It heralds a new era where the fusion of innovative science, clinical expertise, and compassionate patient support coalesce to deliver outcomes that were once deemed unattainable. The Mays Cancer Center stands as a beacon of hope and progress in the relentless fight against cancer.
The broader implications of this recognition resonate on both local and national scales, positioning the Mays Cancer Center as a cornerstone for oncology innovation within Texas and beyond. The designation and ongoing initiatives underscore the vital role academic medical centers play in driving healthcare forward and ensuring equitable access to next-generation cancer therapies.
For those seeking more information about the transformative work being undertaken at the Mays Cancer Center, prospective patients, researchers, and collaborators are encouraged to visit their official website. The center’s digital platforms offer comprehensive resources detailing clinical programs, ongoing trials, and opportunities to engage with their pioneering research community.
Subject of Research: Cancer research, clinical oncology, translational medicine, cancer drug development, and cancer care innovation.
Article Title: Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio Earns National Acclaim for Oncology Excellence in 2025
News Publication Date: October 28, 2025
Web References:
– https://cancer.uthscsa.edu/
– https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/oncology/100-hospitals-and-health-systems-with-great-oncology-programs-2025/
– https://www.uthscsa.edu/
Keywords: Cancer, Oncology, Clinical Research, Drug Discovery, Cancer Care, Translational Medicine, National Cancer Institute, Clinical Trials, Cancer Prevention, Molecular Oncology, Cancer Drug Development, Collaborative Research
