Real Cancer Talk

Clinical trials are not experimental. They are an extension of the standard of care and personalized for the individual.

Dr. Robert Winn, Director of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Community Clovia welcomed cancer survivor and Massey Cancer Champion Mary Simmons to share her journey. Simmons speaks passionately about how clinical trials at Massey saved her life after a diagnosis of acute lymphoma leukemia gave her only two weeks to live. Dr. Winn, Community Clo and Simmons then talk about her advocacy for clinical trials as an extension of standard care and dispel the myth that clinical trials are experimental.

This interview originally aired in April 2025.

Massey Website: https://masseycancercenter.org

Facebook: /vcumasseycancercenter

Instagram: @vcumassey

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is among an elite group of National Cancer Institute-designated institutions that lead and shape America's cancer research efforts. As a Comprehensive Cancer Center, Massey is recognized for its scientific leadership and its ability to bridge groundbreaking research with life-saving patient care. Working with all kinds of cancers, Massey conducts basic, translational and clinical cancer research, provides state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials, and promotes cancer prevention and education.

Since 1974, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. It offers the most cancer clinical trials in Virginia and serves patients at multiple locations. Its 1,000-plus researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing and delivering effective means to prevent, control and ultimately cure cancer. Visit Massey online at masseycancercenter.org or call 877-4-MASSEY for more information.