HJAR Jan/Feb 2026

DIALOGUE COLUMN ONCOLOGY The State of Cancer Research in Arkansas CANCER research in Arkansas can be di- vided into three main areas: basic labora- tory research in cancer biology, public health research examining how public health im- pacts cancer rates and mortality, and clini- cal trial research focused on developing and comparing new drugs to determine the best treatment options for cancer patients. In this column, we provide a snapshot of the state’s cancer research efforts at key institutions. Leading the Way in Arkansas Cancer Research The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and the Winthrop P. Rock- efeller Cancer Institute (WPRCI) are leading institutions conducting most of the cancer re- search inArkansas. UAMS received $18.3 mil- lion in federal grants last year alone, leading the state in research funding. They also edu- cate future cancer physicians. Basic research is conducted at other state-funded and pri- vate universities, such asArkansas State and the University of Arkansas. Cancer clinical trials are available throughWPRCI, local clin- ics, and hospitals, with Highlands Oncology and CARTI among the largest non-academic 40 JAN / FEB 2026 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS