• Skip to main content
  • Skip to main content
Choose which site to search.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Logo University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
College of Medicine: Department of Radiation Oncology
  • UAMS Health
  • Jobs
  • Giving
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Department News Archive
    • Maps and Directions
    • Relocation Guide
    • Life in Little Rock
    • Radiation Oncology Clinic
  • Faculty
    • Fen Xia, M.D., Ph.D., FASTRO
    • Scott Cordova M.D., Ph.D
    • Ruud P.M. Dings, Ph.D., M.Sc.
    • Richard Crownover, M.D., Ph.D.
    • Zhong Su, Ph.D.
    • Robert J. Griffin, Ph.D.
    • Leslie Harrell, D.O.
    • Sanjay Maraboyina, M.D.
    • Ganesh Narayanasamy, Ph.D.
    • Faraz Kalantari, Ph.D
    • Maida Ranjbar, Ph.D.
    • Pouya Sabouri, Ph.D.
    • Adam R. Wolfe M.D., Ph.D.
    • Liu Hong, Ph.D.
    • Mausam Patel, M.D.
    • Santanu Samanta, M.D.
    • Dr. Wen Chien Hsi, Ph.D.
    • Charles Brown, Program Manager
  • Education
    • Medical Residency
      • Radiation Oncology Interest Group
      • Residents
        • Kaidi Wang, M.D.
        • Romy Megahed, M.D.
        • Paula McClain, M.D.
        • Micah Bowling, M.D.
      • How to Apply
    • Medical Physics Residency
    • Resident Wellness
  • Research
    • Clinical Trials
    • Grants
    • Translational Research
      • Dings Lab
      • Griffin Lab
        • Publications
      • Xia Lab
        • Research
        • Publications
        • Members
        • Images
  1. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
  2. College of Medicine
  3. Department of Radiation Oncology
  4. About Us
  5. Department News Archive

Department News Archive

News & Announcements

Celebrating Excellence in Radiation Oncology: Winter Award Ceremony Highlights

December 10, 2024

The Department of Radiation Oncology is proud to celebrate the recent accomplishments of Amie Brint, M.D./Ph.D. Student, and faculty members Dr. Ruud Dings and Dr. Robert Griffin, who were recognized during the Winter Award Ceremony this past Thursday. Together, they were honored for their significant achievements: Amie expressed her gratitude for the mentorship and ongoing […]

Read more

Dr. Rob Griffin to Present on Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy (SFRT) and GRID for Bulky Tumors

December 5, 2024

We are excited to announce that Dr. Rob Griffin, a valued member of our department, will be a presenter at the upcoming webinar “Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy (SFRT) and GRID for Bulky Tumors – Who, When, How?” Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2024Time: 9:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. ET In this educational webinar, Dr. Griffin […]

Read more

Jim and Pat Wallis Pledge $500,000 to Establish a Professorship in Radiation Oncology at UAMS

May 8, 2024

James “Jim” Wallis and Patricia “Pat” Wallis pledged $500,000 to create the James and Patricia Wallis Professorship in Radiation Oncology in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine’s Department of Radiation Oncology.

Read more

Professor Rob Griffin Receives Prestigious J. Eugene Robinson Award in Hyperthermic Oncology

April 15, 2024

We are thrilled to announce that Professor Rob Griffin of the Department of Radiation Oncology has been honored with the J. Eugene Robinson Award for his outstanding contributions to the field of hyperthermic oncology. This prestigious award is presented annually to a distinguished investigator who has significantly advanced our understanding and application of hyperthermia in […]

Read more

Three UAMS Research Teams Named Inaugural Recipients of BioVentures Accelerator Awards

April 15, 2024

By David Robinson April 3, 2024 | BioVentures LLC at UAMS recently announced the selection of three UAMS research teams as the inaugural recipients of its new AR Health Ventures Accelerator (ARHVA) program. The accelerator program, which aims to help jump-start the translation of promising scientific discoveries into therapies, is providing the selected projects with substantial […]

Read more

Supporting Health Care Entrepreneurship

November 14, 2023

Arkansas entrepreneurs from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds will benefit from a groundbreaking new initiative directed by BioVentures President and Department of Surgery faculty member Dr. Kevin Sexton and co-directed by Dr. Eric Peterson (Pharmacology/Toxicology) and Dr. Robert Griffin (Radiation Oncology). With support from a nearly $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Arkansas Collaborative for Technological and Innovative Venture Equality (ACTIVE) will serve as […]

Read more
Radiation Oncology Center

Walker Foundation Pledges $1 Million to UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute — Funds Will Support New Radiation Oncology Center

October 12, 2023

LITTLE ROCK — The Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation pledged $1 Million to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. The funds will support the Cancer Institute’s new Radiation Oncology Center, which opened in July. “We are humbled by the decades-long support of the Walker Foundation — a…

Read more
photo of molecules

UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute to Hold Oct. 27 Proton Symposium

October 6, 2023

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute will host the state’s first symposium on proton therapy, Oct. 27. The free event, entitled “Proton Therapy: The Forefront of Cancer Treatment,” will run from 8 a.m. to noon in the Walton Auditorium on the 10th floor of the UAMS Winthrop P….

Read more

First Proton Therapy Symposium Starts Oct. 27 at UAMS

September 28, 2023

The UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute invites healthcare professionals to participate in the first academic symposium on proton therapy. Learn more and register for the symposium. Hear from UAMS proton experts about the important role of proton therapy in oncology today. This onsite education event will include a guided tour of the Proton Center of […]

Read more

UAMS, Arkansas Children’s, Baptist Health and Proton International Open State’s First Proton Center

September 28, 2023

By Marty Trieschmann The Proton Center of Arkansas opened Sept. 27 at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), becoming the first proton therapy center in Arkansas and only the 43rd in the nation to provide the most advanced cancer radiation treatment in the world. Proton therapy is a cutting-edge form of radiation that uses positively […]

Read more

Samanta, Lewis, Prabhu Take First Place in American Brachytherapy Society’s Shark Tank

August 3, 2023

Radiation Oncologists, Santanu Samanta, M.D., Gary Lewis, M.D., and resident Arpan Prabhu, M.D., won first place in the Shark Tank competition held at the June 2023 American Brachytherapy Society Conference. They won for their proposal for incorporating a digital conversational agent to educate cancer patients on brachytherapy and assess its impact on patient satisfaction and understanding. […]

Read more

Samanta Named ARRO Educator of the Year  

August 3, 2023

Congratulations to radiation oncologist, Santanu Samanta, M.D., radiation oncologist, who was selected as the Educator of the Year by the Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology (ARRO), an affiliate of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology. Samanta was recognized for outstanding teaching and mentorship of radiation oncology residents. Residents from all radiation oncology programs […]

Read more

Radiation Oncology Faculty Presenters: Innovations in AI Drug Discovery, Biomedical Ontology, and Radiation Research

August 3, 2023

In August, faculty members from the Radiation Oncology department will be presenting at upcoming conferences. The presentations will focus on various topics, including AI in drug discovery, biomedical ontology, and radiation-related research. The investigators from the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute will be sharing their innovative findings and advancements in these areas during the conferences. […]

Read more
UAMS leaders, Little Rock mayor and Arkansas Governor cut a ceremonial red ribbon

UAMS Opens New Radiation Oncology Center; Proton Therapy Coming Soon

July 18, 2023

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute opened a new Radiation Oncology Center today with expanded capabilities to provide advanced radiation treatments for children and adults with cancer, including the state’s first Proton Center. The $65 million, 58,000-square-foot structure at 3900 W. Capitol Ave. in Little Rock was built…

Read more

American Cancer Society Funds UAMS Study to Understand Treatment Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer

July 18, 2023

By Marty Trieschmann July 12, 2023 | Adam Wolfe, M.D., Ph.D., a radiation oncologist at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute has received a $583,200 grant from the American Cancer Society (ACS) to study radiation resistance in pancreatic cancer, a lethal disease with the highest mortality rate of all […]

Read more

Celebrating Innovation in Cancer Education: Success at ABS Brachy 23 Shark Tank

June 29, 2023

In the ever-evolving field of healthcare, innovation plays a crucial role in improving patient experiences and outcomes. Recently, at the renowned ABS Brachy23 Shark Tank event, three exceptional individuals, Dr. Arpan Prabhu, Dr. Santanu Samanta, and Dr. Gary Lewis, all from UAMS’ Radiation Oncology Department, achieved a remarkable victory. Their groundbreaking proposal, which aimed to […]

Read more

April Wurtz, Dosimetrist is UAMS’ MVP of the Month

June 21, 2023

April Wurtz, the MVP for June. April serves as a medical dosimetrist in the UAMS Radiation Oncology Center. In the course of her work, she puts into practice the UAMS values of integrity, respect, diversity and health equity, teamwork, creativity, excellence and safety. Please read what one of her nominators wrote about how she does […]

Read more

Dr. Samir Jenkins Honored with Barton Award for Breakthrough Research in Fractionated X-ray Induced Photodynamic Tumor Therapy

June 9, 2023

UAMS, a leading institution in medical research, proudly announces that Dr. Samir Jenkins has been awarded the prestigious Barton Award for his groundbreaking work on the “Optimization of Fractionated X-ray Induced Photodynamic Tumor Therapy.” This recognition highlights Dr. Jenkins’ significant contributions to advancing the field of cancer treatment. Dr. Samir Jenkins’ research focuses on optimizing […]

Read more

Dr. Robert Griffin Recognized with Grant from UAMS BioVentures Development Award Program to Propel Cancer Research

June 9, 2023

UAMS, a prominent institution dedicated to cancer research, is thrilled to announce that Dr. Robert Griffin has been awarded a grant from the esteemed UAMS BioVentures Development Award Program. The grant, titled “Targeting HIF1 Regulated Pathways with miRNA Therapeutics to Control Cancer Progression: Comparison Study to Generate Provisional Patent Support,” will propel Dr. Griffin’s research […]

Read more

Dr. Robert Griffin and Dr. Renya Awarded Grant from UA-F Chancellor’s Commercialization Fund to Advance Cancer Detection Technology

June 9, 2023

Dr. Robert Griffin, a leader in innovative cancer research, is proud to announce that he has been awarded a grant from the prestigious UA-F Chancellor’s Commercialization Fund. The grant, titled “Detection of Hypoxic Markers in Tumor Exosomes Using Raman Spectroscopy,” will support UAMS’s pioneering efforts in developing a proprietary approach to detect cancer and monitor […]

Read more

Dr. Gary Lewis Presents on VR Technology for treatment

March 8, 2023

Dr. Gary Lewis, Radiation Oncologist, presented at the 7th Annual Virtual Reality and Healthcare Global Symposium held in Philadelphia March 3-5. His presentation was titled “Virtual Reality (VR) Technology for Gynecologic Cancer Radiation/Brachytherapy”. Brachytherapy is an essential component of standard of care treatment for gynecologic cancers. Unfortunately, many gynecologic cancer patients do not receive brachytherapy […]

Read more

Dr. Griffin on Committee for First International Workshop on Particle Minibeam Therapy

February 3, 2023

Particle minibeam therapy (PMBT) is an innovative new treatment approach that combines the improved dose deposition characteristics of charged particles (such as protons and other ions) with the normal tissue sparing potential of minibeam radiation therapy (MBRT). In MBRT, the irradiation field is composed of multiple sub-millimetre beamlets that are spaced apart to create a highly modulated […]

Read more

Dr. Rob Griffin to Moderate Panel Discussion

January 19, 2023

Join Radiation Oncology Biologist Dr. Robert Griffin as he moderates a panel discussion on SFRT. Tuesday Jan. 31 at 12pm EST. Information below     AAPM Webinar Series     on Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy (SFRT):   Clinical Significance, Technical Approaches and Challenges Planned in conjunction with the Radiosurgery Society  Tuesday, January 31, 2023     12:00 […]

Read more
Dr. Wen Chien Hsi

Proton Radiation Physicist Joins UAMS Department of Radiation Oncology

January 9, 2023

Wen Chien Hsi, Ph.D., has joined the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) as an associate professor of physics specializing in proton beam radiation therapy. Hsi will work in the Proton Center of Arkansas, a partnership of UAMS, Arkansas Children’s, Baptist Health and Proton International that will provide…

Read more
doctor on white coat

UAMS’ Fen Xia, M.D., Ph.D., Named Fellow of the American Society of Radiation Oncology

December 20, 2022

LITTLE ROCK — Fen Xia, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, has been named a Fellow of the American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

Read more

Dr. Fen Xia Earned FASTRO Award

October 27, 2022

Radiation Oncology Department Chair Dr. Fen Xia was recognized at the 2022 ASTRO (American Society for Radiation Oncology) Conference and awarded the ASTRO Fellow (FASTRO) Designation The ASTRO Fellow designation (FASTRO) is awarded based on ASTRO membership, service to ASTRO, and contributions to the field of radiation oncology. The FASTRO designation has been awarded to […]

Read more

Cyclotron Delivered!

October 21, 2022

What a great day! Excited about this big step towards opening the first Proton Center in the State. Read the full article at UAMS News. Watch the drone coverage of the cyclotron being lowered into the new center:

Read more

Putting Patients First

October 21, 2022

Kudos to our team from the College of Medicine Dean’s Accolades newsletter: For the patients who see the UAMS Radiation Oncology team, just getting out of bed and making it to an appointment is a struggle sometimes. One of them recently wrote to thank the entire team for making her spirits soar while they provided […]

Read more
key equipment for the proton radiation center is installed

Cyclotron for State’s First Proton Center Arrives at UAMS

October 20, 2022

Completion of a $65 million expanded University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Radiation Oncology Center that will house Arkansas’ first Proton Center marked an important milestone Oct. 20 with the arrival and installation of the Proton Center’s cyclotron, a type of particle accelerator that serves as a key piece of equipment. “UAMS is proud…

Read more

Cancer Nanomedicine: Potential for Improved Outcomes, Reduced Side Effects and Increased Efficacy

August 22, 2022

In this May/June edition of Arkansas Medical News, there is an interview with Dr. Robert Griffin, a researcher with UAMS Radiation Oncology. The article is about his work on experimental therapeutics and targeted radiation for solid tumors. See the article below or view it on the Arkansas Medical News website.

Read more

Radiation Oncology Physicians Awarded Top Doctors

August 3, 2022

Radiation Oncology physicians have been recognized as Top Docs in the Little Rock and Metro area. The rankings come from Soiree, a Little Rock magazine, and Castle Connolly. Castle Connolly publishes an annual list of Top Doctors in the United States based on different quality aspects. Congratulations to our physicians for their outstanding work and […]

Read more

Dr. Gary Lewis and Team Were Awarded First Place in ABR Shark Tank proposal

June 22, 2022

Dr. Gary Lewis, Dr. Arpan Prabu, and Melissa Peterman, RN, were awarded first place in the ABR Shark Tank competition with their proposal: “Using Virtual Reality to improve the patient experience during gynecologic brachytherapy.” The judging was a combination of audience reaction and a panel vote. For patients with advanced cervical cancer, radiation therapy using […]

Read more

Dr. Narayanasamy Earns Educator of the Year Award

May 26, 2022

Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology (ARRO) sponsors the annual Educator of the Year Award to recognize outstanding teachers and mentors of radiation oncology residents. Residents from all radiation oncology programs were given the opportunity to select one faculty member from their program for the award. Outstanding educators included faculty from physics, biology, and the […]

Read more

Dr. Leung Awarded Seeds of Science Research Award

May 4, 2022

Justin Leung, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology and Brian Koss, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology have been awarded the 2022 Seeds of Science Research Award. This project aims to clone the whole genome ORFs (~18,000) into a fluorescent- tagged expression vector and to catalog their […]

Read more

Dr. Gary Lewis Awarded a Grant for Medical Student Education

April 13, 2022

The Medical Education Foundation for Arkansas (MEFFA) was established by the Arkansas Medical Society in 1959 to provide grants to support education for medical students in Arkansas. MEFFA has given a series of annual grants to the College of Medicine each year since 1959. The grants are intended to provide support for educational projects/equipment/programs that involve […]

Read more

Dr. Wolfe awarded Team Science Award

April 13, 2022

The Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Team Science Award supports new cancer-focused research between Cancer Institute members. The funding supports multi-PI teams pursuing new avenues of cancer research that will accelerate the collection of data for NCI grant submissions and cancer-relevant publications. Dr. Adam Wolfe, Assistant Professor in Radiation Oncology, and co-investigators Drs. Isabelle Racine […]

Read more

Resident Arpan Prabhu, M.D., Awarded Travel Grant

April 8, 2022

Radiation Oncology resident Dr. Arpan Prabhu was awarded a travel grant to attend the 2022 American College of Radiology (ACR) Annual Meeting. This grant is supported by CARROS (the ACR radiation oncology chapter), ACR, and individual members of the CARROS executive committee. This meeting provides an opportunity to develop a national consensus on radiation oncology issues […]

Read more

Radiation Oncology Installs Final Beam in Top Out Ceremony

March 11, 2022

Dr. Fen Xia, UAMS Department of Radiation Oncology, and members of Radiation Oncology sign the final beam for the new $65 million Proton Therapy Center scheduled to be complete in 2023, the state’s first and one of only 40 nationwide. Proton therapy uses high-energy beams to target tumors in hard-to-reach areas without damaging surrounding tissue. […]

Read more

Radiation Oncology Resident Presents Research at ACRO

March 11, 2022

Radiation Oncology Resident, Dr. Arpan Prabhu, presented two posters at the American College of Radiation Oncologists (ACRO) national meeting. Dr. Prabhu presented his poster: Re-irradiation of recurrent head and neck cancers using pulsed reduced dose-rate radiotherapy: an institutional series and YouTube as a Source of Information on Radiation Therapy.

Read more

UAMS Medical Student Presents Research at ACRO

March 11, 2022

Medical student, Caleb Nissen, presented his research on the risk associated with cranial radiation treatment-induced necrosis at the American College of Radiation Oncologists (ACRO) national meeting. Caleb worked with Dr. Jun Ying, Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Gary Lewis, and Radiation Oncology Department Chair, Dr. Fen Xia, to write his research and present his abstract at the […]

Read more

Resident Dr. Prabhu Awarded Grant

February 9, 2022

Radiation Oncology resident Dr. Arpan Prabhu is one of 10 residents nationwide to receive a Novocure Travel Grant to attend the American College of Radiation Oncology meeting this year. The ACRO Annual Meeting is taking place March 9-12 at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort.  ACRO is excited to support resident participation in their signature event […]

Read more

Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute’s Radiation Oncology Center Becomes First and Only Center in Arkansas to Earn APEx Accreditation

January 20, 2022

By Marty Trieschmann The Radiation Oncology Center at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has received the highest national accreditation from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). The center, which is part of the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, is the only radiation oncology center in the state to be granted full accreditation by […]

Read more

Kirk West, Ph.D., Receives American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellowship

January 18, 2022

By Marty Trieschmann Jan. 6, 2022 | Kirk West, Ph.D., a Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute researcher, is the first UAMS scientist to be awarded the prestigious American Cancer Society (ACS) Postdoctoral Fellowship. Only 14% of ACS fellowships are funded from a nationwide pool of applicants. The three-year fellowship will help fund West’s research on the […]

Read more

Dr. Griffin added to the Board of Editors

November 10, 2021

Dr. Robert Griffin has been named to the Board of Editors for the journal, “Seminars in Radiation Oncology”. Congratulations to Dr. Griffin for being named to this board of editors for this prestigious journal.

Read more

NCI Grant Supporting UAMS Research to Improve Cancer Treatment for Patients Lacking Good Gut Bacteria

November 2, 2021

A University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) research team will use a National Cancer Institute (NCI) grant to study promising new ways to improve the effectiveness of a common cancer treatment for patients lacking beneficial gut bacteria.

Read more

AOA Fellowship Award

September 29, 2021

Radiation Oncology resident Dr. Arpan Prabhu is one of only 10 residents and fellows nationwide to receive an Alpha Omega Alpha Postgraduate Fellowship Award this year. Dr. Prabhu will use the award from the national medical honor society to further his research into the use of virtual reality technology to improve the patient experience and […]

Read more

Crowdfunding for Cancer Care

August 11, 2021

Congratulations to Radiation Oncology resident Dr. Arpan Prabhu and his mentor, Assistant Professor Dr. Gary Lewis, on their new article in Anticancer Research. Dr. Prabhu and Dr. Lewis collaborated with colleagues from the University of Texas Southwestern and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center to study the use of online crowdfunding by patients to raise […]

Read more
UAMS surgeons prepare to perform the first surgery in Arkansas using GammaTile Therapy or surgically targeted radiation therapy.

UAMS Performs First GammaTile Brain Surgery in Arkansas

July 22, 2021

LITTLE ROCK — Radiation oncologist  Richard Crownover, M.D., Ph.D., and neurosurgeon Analiz Rodriguez, M.D., Ph.D., and their care team at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) have performed the state’s first application of GammaTile Therapy.

Read more

ASTROnomical Potential

June 14, 2021

2020 UAMS graduate Dr. Scarlett Acklin is on a trajectory for great success as a radiation oncologist. After wrapping up her internship at UAMS, she begins her radiation oncology residency at Duke University next month.

Read more

UAMS Breaks Ground on New Radiation Oncology Center, Will House First Proton Center in Arkansas

May 25, 2021

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) broke ground today on an expanded Radiation Oncology Center, which will be home to Arkansas’ first Proton Center.

Read more
Gov. Asa Hutchinson speaks Tuesday at the groundbreaking ceremony for the UAMS Radiation Oncology Center as UAMS Chancellor Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, looks on. The expanded Radiation Oncology Center will house Arkansas’ first Proton Center, a partnership between UAMS, Baptist Health, Arkansas Children's and Proton International.

UAMS Breaks Ground on New Radiation Oncology Center, Will House First Proton Center in Arkansas

May 25, 2021

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) broke ground today on an expanded Radiation Oncology Center, which will be home to Arkansas’ first Proton Center. The Radiation Oncology Center, part of the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, already offers cutting-edge technologies to provide the latest radiation treatments. It will continue to provide those…

Read more

Four UAMS Cancer Institute Scientists Receive Research Grants

March 26, 2021

By Susan Van Dusen March 24, 2021 | Four researchers at the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute received a funding boost thanks to newly awarded $50,000 grants, which were announced in a virtual ceremony March 11. Presented annually since 2009, the Seeds of Science pilot grant awards assist cancer researchers in collecting data and developing projects that […]

Read more
Seeds of Science grant awardees

Four UAMS Cancer Institute Scientists Receive Research Grants

March 24, 2021

Four researchers at the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute received a funding boost thanks to newly awarded $50,000 grants, which were announced in a virtual ceremony March 11. Presented annually since 2009, the Seeds of Science pilot grant awards assist cancer researchers in collecting data and developing projects that have the potential to result…

Read more

UAMS’ Justin Leung, Ph.D., Receives $1.47 million Grant from National Cancer Institute to Study DNA Damage Regulation

March 19, 2021

By Linda Haymes March 18, 2021 | LITTLE ROCK — A five-year, $1.47 million National Cancer Institute grant has been awarded to researcher Justin Leung, Ph.D., at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) to study DNA repair. Leung’s project is a collaboration with Robert Eoff, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and […]

Read more
Justin Leung, Ph.D., (front and center with his team), a researcher with the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, has been awarded a $1.47 million National Cancer Institute grant to study DNA.

UAMS’ Justin Leung, Ph.D., Receives $1.47 million Grant from National Cancer Institute to Study DNA Damage Regulation

March 18, 2021

LITTLE ROCK — A five-year, $1.47 million National Cancer Institute grant has been awarded to researcher Justin Leung, Ph.D., at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) to study DNA repair. Leung’s project is a collaboration with Robert Eoff, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in the UAMS College…

Read more

UAMS’s Justin Leung, Ph.D., Receives $792,000 American Cancer Society Grant to Study DNA Repair Mechanisms

February 9, 2021

By Spencer Watson Feb. 9, 2021 | LITTLE ROCK — A four-year, $792,000 American Cancer Society Research Scholar grant has been awarded to researcher Justin Leung, Ph.D., at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) to study DNA repair mechanisms. “Understanding the molecular processes of DNA repair can help both better diagnose cancer and to […]

Read more
Justin Leung, PhD

UAMS’s Justin Leung, Ph.D., Receives $792,000 American Cancer Society Grant to Study DNA Repair Mechanisms

February 9, 2021

LITTLE ROCK — A four-year, $792,000 American Cancer Society Research Scholar grant has been awarded to researcher Justin Leung, Ph.D., at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) to study DNA repair mechanisms. “Understanding the molecular processes of DNA repair can help both better diagnose cancer and to progress treatment,” said Leung, an assistant…

Read more

Four UAMS Researchers Receive Inaugural Provost’s Innovator Awards

February 2, 2021

Jan. 29, 2021 | By David Robinson The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) today announced four UAMS faculty as recipients of the inaugural Provost’s Innovator Awards. Established by the Office of the Provost and the Division of Research and Innovation, the grants of $25,000 each support groundbreaking, innovative, high-impact projects that are likely to establish new clinical […]

Read more

RRS GRID, Lattice, FLAS and Microbeam working Group published a FOCUS issue in Radiation Research, the official journal of the Radiation Research Society (RRS).

January 11, 2021

RRS GRID, Lattice, FLAS and Microbeam working Group published a FOCUS issue in Radiation Research, the official journal of the Radiation Research Society (RRS). Dr. Robert Griffin, Chairperson of Biology for the working group was a guest editor and has a special introduction in the latest issue of the Radiation Research Journal. This journal is […]

Read more

Radiation Oncologist Richard Crownover, M.D., Ph.D., Joins UAMS

December 9, 2020

By Susan Van Dusen Dec. 9, 2020 | Radiation oncologist Richard Crownover, M.D., Ph.D., has joined the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). He sees patients in the UAMS Radiation Oncology Center and specializes in the treatment of gynecological cancers, breast cancer and sarcoma. Board-certified in therapeutic radiology by the American Board of Radiology, Crownover […]

Read more
Richard L. Crownover, M.D.

Radiation Oncologist Richard Crownover, M.D., Ph.D., Joins UAMS

December 9, 2020

Radiation oncologist Richard Crownover, M.D., Ph.D., has joined the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). He sees patients in the UAMS Radiation Oncology Center and specializes in the treatment of gynecological cancers, breast cancer and sarcoma.

Read more
radiation therapy

UAMS, Baptist Health, Arkansas Children’s Working Together To Expand Cancer Treatment in Arkansas

September 18, 2020

The University of Arkansas Board of Trustees today approved joint ventures between the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Baptist Health and Arkansas Children’s to expand access to radiation therapy as well as to establish the state’s first proton therapy center.

Read more
Justin Leung, PhD

$1.9 Million Grant Funds DNA Damage Research by UAMS Scientist Justin Leung, Ph.D.

September 8, 2020

A $1.9 million grant from the National Institute of General Medical Studies (NIGMS) will allow a scientist at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) to advance his research of DNA damage response (DDR) in cancer and genetic disorders.

Read more

ASTRO announces 2020 elections results

August 13, 2020

Congratulations to the following newly elected members of ASTRO’s Board of Directors: President-elect Geraldine Jacobson, M.D., MBA, MPH, FASTRO, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia; Clinical Affairs and Quality Council Vice-chair Eric Ford, Ph.D., University of Washington, Seattle; Education Council Vice-chair Beth Erickson, M.D., FASTRO, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; Government Relations […]

Read more
Radiation Oncology Residents

UAMS Radiation Oncology Residency Program Receives Accreditation

July 29, 2020

The Radiation Oncology Residency program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, which reviews all programs annually. When efforts to launch the program began in 2017, there was no residency training for radiation oncology in the state, and Arkansas was one of…

Read more

UAMS Radiation Oncology Residency Program Receives Full 10-Year Accreditation

July 29, 2020

By Amy Widner The Radiation Oncology Residency program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has received full 10-year accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. When efforts to launch the program began in 2017, there was no residency training for radiation oncology in the state, and Arkansas was one of the […]

Read more
Proton ACH Baptist UAMS logos

UAMS, Arkansas Children’s, Baptist Health and Proton International Sign Letter of Intent to Build State’s First Proton Treatment Center

July 16, 2020

LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Arkansas Children’s, Baptist Health and Proton International (PI) have signed a Letter of Intent to bring proton therapy — an alternative to radiation therapy for treating cancer — to Arkansas.

Read more

Global Insights

June 19, 2020

Dr. Arpan Prabhu, a Radiation Oncology resident, was interviewed in an article published in Medscape en Español that discusses the growing online presence of physicians, as well as patient reviews, around the world. The article, translated as “Can the opinions of patients on the internet be worth more than professional merits?” highlighted Dr. Prabhu’s previously […]

Read more

Findings on DNA Damage Repair Published by UAMS Cancer Researcher

June 19, 2020

View Larger Image A UAMS research team led by Justin Leung, Ph.D., (pictured front) was published in the journal Nature Communications. Co-authors of the study are Jessica Kelliher, B.S., (left) and Kirk West, Ph.D. Findings on DNA Damage Repair Published by UAMS Cancer Researcher By Susan Van Dusen June 3, 2020 | LITTLE ROCK — A […]

Read more

New Paper Published

May 20, 2020

Members of Dr. Justin Leung’s lab, Jessica Kelliher and Kirk West, have published their paper.  Their work: “Histone H2A variants alpha1-extension helix directs RNF168-mediated ubiquitination” has been published in the “Nature Communications” journal. The article can be found HERE Congratulations to Jessica and Kirk for the publication.

Read more

UAMS Radiation Oncologist Awarded $1.86 Million National Cancer Institute Grant

May 6, 2020

UAMS Radiation Oncologist Awarded $1.86 Million National Cancer Institute Grant

Read more
Fen Xia, M.D., Ph.D.

UAMS Radiation Oncologist Awarded $1.86 Million National Cancer Institute Grant

May 6, 2020

A five-year grant of more than $1.86 million from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) will fund research aimed at reducing long-term neurological damage caused by a common cancer treatment regimen.

Read more

Scholarly Work

April 29, 2020

Dr. Arpan Prabhu, a first-year Radiation Oncology resident, recently published two manuscripts. The first article, in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, examined the federal political contribution characteristics of U.S. radiation oncologists from 2003-2018. The manuscript was originally accepted as an oral abstract for the American Radium Society conference, which was postponed due to COVID-19. […]

Read more

Cancer Institute Member Spotlight: Dr. Robert Griffin

March 27, 2020

Much of Dr. Griffin’s work has involved studying the interactions of normal and tumor microvasculature with tumor cells in the context of blood flow, hypoxia and the tumor microenvironment. Applied studies using various nanomaterials (e.g., nanoliposomes and various nanomedicines) for targeted delivery to the tumor vasculature to improve responses to radiation, thermal treatment, or chemotherapy […]

Read more

A new mechanism of chemotherapeutic drug-induced peripheral neuropathic pain

February 28, 2020

Little Rock, Arkansas. Lead by Dr. Fen Xia, a world-renown radiation oncologist and cancer biologist, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) scientists have discovered a new mechanism of chemotherapeutic drug-induced neuropathic pain, which has been accepted to publish in the prestigious Journal of Clinical Investigation. Dr. Xia’s research team members, Drs. Manchao Zhang, Wuying […]

Read more

Dr. Lewis Awarded New Practitioner Seed Grant

February 7, 2020

Dr. Gary Lewis, one of Radiation Oncology’s newest physicians, has been awarded a grant from the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO). The New Practitioner Seed Grant award is to help fund the Preop vs Postop SRS trial. This trial is for patients with brain metastases (cancer from somewhere else that has spread to the […]

Read more

Dr. Prabhu wins Grant

February 5, 2020

Radiation Oncology Resident, Dr. Arpan Prabhu was awarded a travel grant to attend the American College of Radiation Oncology’s Annual meeting! This highly coveted grant is awarded to the most inspiring trainees across the country and Dr. Prabhu was one of the recipients from a large pool of applications! The American College of Radiation Oncology […]

Read more

Leslie Harrell, D.O., Joins UAMS as Radiation Oncologist

October 25, 2019

By Linda Haymes Radiation oncologist Leslie Harrell, D.O., has joined the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and sees patients at the UAMS Radiation Oncology Center. She also serves as a professor in UAMS College of Medicine Department of Radiation Oncology. Harrell, who previously served as a radiation oncologist in Oklahoma City, specializes in […]

Read more

Research Collaboration Crosses Basic Science, Clinical Boundaries

October 9, 2019

By Susan Van Dusen Biomedical research does not exist in a vacuum. To succeed, scientists must work together by combining resources and ideas in new and innovative ways. Many times, these collaborations exist across institutions, where combined strengths provide the perfect combination of skills necessary to undertake complex projects successfully. Such is the case with […]

Read more

Radiation Oncologist Gary Lewis, M.D., Joins UAMS

September 19, 2019

By Susan Van Dusen Sept. 16, 2019 | LITTLE ROCK – Radiation oncologist Gary Lewis, M.D., has joined the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and sees patients at the UAMS Radiation Oncology Center. He also serves as assistant professor in the UAMS College of Medicine Department of Radiation Oncology. His clinical practice focuses […]

Read more

New Faculty

August 23, 2019

    Faraz Kalantari, Ph.D., has joined the Department of Radiation Oncology as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Kalantari received a bachelor’s degree in atomic and molecular physics at Kharazmi University in Iran in 2004 and a master’s degree in medical physics in 2007 at Tarbiat Modares University in Tehran, where he later earned his doctorate in […]

Read more

Radiation Oncology Interest Group Lunch Talk

August 21, 2019

*The ROIG is hosting a Lunch Talk on Thursday, August 22nd from 12-1pm in Education 2 building Room G131A. We will be talking about the field of Radiation Oncology and discussing opportunities to get involved with research and shadowing. Lunch is provided!

Read more

Radiation Oncology Interest Group

August 21, 2019

The UAMS Radiation Oncology Interest Group is dedicated to fostering an interest in the exciting field of Radiation Oncology. Radiation Oncology is a small field that students have limited exposure to in the medical curriculum, and ROIG aims to bridge this gap. We connect interested students to key resources in the Radiation Oncology Department and […]

Read more

UAMS-Developed Cytophone Detects Melanoma in Earliest Stages, Could Prevent Fatal Disease Spread

June 21, 2019

Radiation Oncology Senior Research Associate, Azemat “AJ” Jamshidi-Parsian, was a collaborator on research that has demonstrated the ability to detect and kill circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood using a noninvasive device called Cytophone that integrates a laser, ultrasound and phone technologies. Read more about the story from UAMS HERE

Read more

Resident Dr. Patel Scores in 98th Percentile

April 29, 2019

Congratulations to our PGY-2 resident Mausam Patel, M.D., who scored in the top 98% in his In-Training Exam!  That is certainly an achievement to feel good about!

Read more

Dr. Garron Deshazer receives Best Poster Award

April 18, 2019

Congratulations to Dr. Garron Deshazer for receiving the Best Poster Award Friday at the Southwest American Association of Physicists in Medicine Annual Meeting.  His poster was titled Analysis of Brainlab Elements vs Eclipse RadpidArc Spine Stereotactic Radiosurgery Platforms.  

Read more

Art Students Help UAMS Cancer Patients ‘Paint Over Pain’

April 9, 2019

By Susan Van Dusen Transforming something frightening into something inspiring isn’t an easy task. But that’s exactly what students at Central Arkansas Christian (CAC) School set out to do for patients undergoing treatment at the UAMS Radiation Oncology Center. “I love the idea of being able to inspire the patients and bring a little bit […]

Read more
Fen Xia, M.D., Ph.D., (right) chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology, and Central Arkansas Christian School students display radiation masks they decorated as part of CAC’s art program “Paint Over Pain” to represent beauty that can come from hardship.

Art Students Help UAMS Cancer Patients ‘Paint Over Pain’

April 8, 2019

Transforming something frightening into something inspiring isn’t an easy task. But that’s exactly what students at Central Arkansas Christian (CAC) School set out to do for patients undergoing treatment at the UAMS Radiation Oncology Center. “I love the idea of being able to inspire the patients and bring a little bit of light into a…

Read more

Students Hope to Lift Cancer Patients’ Spirits with Painted Radiation Masks

April 5, 2019

Artwork produced by local high school students will be on display at the UAMS Radiation Oncology Center. The project, Paint over Pain, aims to lift patients’ spirits by bringing beauty to a frightening part of treatment: radiation masks. Radiation masks immobilize patients during treatment by holding their head and neck in place for precise radiation […]

Read more

Eight-Year Old Celebrates End of Radiation Therapy

December 11, 2018

It’s common to hear bells at the UAMS Radiation Oncology Center. When a patient completes their final treatment, they celebrate by stepping up to the large brass bell on the wall and giving it a ring. For 8-year-old Abigail Lewis, however, one ring was not enough. After finishing a milestone 30th radiation treatment, Abigail grabbed the braided […]

Read more
Abigail Lewis (center) celebrates with her health care team at the UAMS Radiation Oncology Center following her final radiation treatment.

With the Ring of a Bell, 8-year-old Celebrates End of Radiation Therapy

December 10, 2018

It’s common to hear bells at the UAMS Radiation Oncology Center. When a patient completes their final treatment, they celebrate by stepping up to the large brass bell on the wall and giving it a ring.

Read more

On the Forefront

October 9, 2018

Congratulations to Drs. Robert Griffin and José Peñagarícano of the Department of Radiation Oncology, who were among the national experts invited to speak at a recent workshop, co-hosted by the National Cancer Institute and the Radiosurgery Society, on innovative techniques for improving outcomes in locally advanced tumors. The Aug. 21 workshop at the NIH in […]

Read more

Jian Fang, Ph.D., Graduates from Medical Physics Residency

July 10, 2018

Dr. Jian Fang graduated from the Medical Physics Residency program on June 29th, 2018. Dr. Fang has been a Resident with the Radiation Oncology Medical Physics program for 2 years. After graduation, Dr. Fang has accepted a position at Baylor Scott and White Health in Texas. Congratulations and good luck!

Read more

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Radio Interview

June 5, 2018

UAMS in Little Rock is one of the leading cancer research institutions in the nation. Part of that research and service is in the area of Radiation Therapy. This program from KUAR brings three of the most important Oncologists discussing the scope of their field from the earlier decades to the present. Dr. Loverd Peacock, […]

Read more

Retired Lieutenant General Faces Prostate Cancer Head-on at UAMS

May 29, 2018

George Crocker is up to just about any challenge. A retired Army lieutenant general, Crocker spent the good part of his life defending his country both at home and abroad. From two tours in Vietnam to serving as commander at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington, Crocker made a lasting mark through his distinguished military service. […]

Read more
Retired Army Lieutenant General George Crocker is back to his active lifestyle after undergoing successful radiation therapy for prostate cancer.

Retired Lieutenant General Faces Prostate Cancer Head-on at UAMS

May 29, 2018

May 29, 2018 | George Crocker is up to just about any challenge. A retired Army lieutenant general, Crocker spent the good part of his life defending his country both at home and abroad. From two tours in Vietnam to serving as commander at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington, Crocker made a lasting mark through…

Read more

Medical Student Awarded Eleanor Duncan Oncology Scholarship

May 21, 2018

Scarlett Acklin, a third-year medical student active in research within the UAMS Department of Radiation Oncology, was awarded the 2018-2019 Eleanor Duncan Oncology Scholarship from the Conway Regional Health Foundation.  Scarlett has been conducting her medical research in Dr. Fen Xia’s research lab. Scarlett’s research project is investigating the underlining molecular mechanism of cancer therapy induced peripheral […]

Read more

Patel Joins UAMS Radiation Oncology Residency

April 24, 2018

Mausam Patel, M.D. 2018 Resident We are exited to announce that Mausam Patel will join the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Radiation Oncology Residency Program.  Mausam will be the first Radiation Oncology resident in Arkansas.  He will be joining us in mid-June 2018.

Read more

Prabhu to join UAMS Radiation Oncology Residency

April 24, 2018

Arpan V. Prabhu 2019 Resident We are excited to announce that Arpan Prabhu, a current fourth-year medical student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, will join the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Radiation Oncology residency program at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute in July of 2019. Prior to matriculating into the […]

Read more

UAMS to Offer Arkansas’ First-ever Radiation Oncology Residency Program

April 24, 2018

Radiation oncology is a complex and competitive field, attracting some of the brightest medical students from across the country. Until now, however, anyone in Arkansas interested in pursuing a career in radiation oncology had to leave the state for advanced training. This summer, that will change when Arkansas’ first-ever radiation oncology residency program welcomes its […]

Read more
UAMS College of Medicine LogoUAMS College of MedicineUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement

© 2025 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences