Cancer center launches the newest online edition of Synthesis magazine

UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center today announced that the digital edition of Synthesis, its flagship magazine, is now available. The winter 2026 issue showcases the cancer center's defining mission: advancing cancer care through innovation, compassion and community partnership.

The magazine introduces a dynamic group of new cancer experts joining the cancer center. These leaders bring specialized expertise to help meet the evolving needs of patients across the region.

Readers can explore the newly opened Folsom Medical Care Clinic and its state-of-the-art cancer treatment center and meet the facility's first full-time oncologist. Cancer care services now include a large infusion center to make it easier for patients in the foothills region to get chemotherapy and other treatments.

Readers can also get to know a new pediatrician at the Folsom clinic whose career was inspired by donating bone marrow to her sister - a UC Davis Health patient.

Synthesis also explores a striking scientific discovery: a single genetic mutation that may explain why humans are more susceptible to cancer than other primates. This breakthrough deepens scientific understanding of cancer's origins and underscores the significance of continued research at UC Davis.

Patient care takes center stage with coverage of a groundbreaking $16 million study examining artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted mammography. UC Davis researchers are helping lead the effort to ensure AI improves diagnostic accuracy.

Readers will learn about new findings related to adolescents and young adults with cancer, a group that often falls between pediatric and adult cancer care. The research highlights specialized strategies to better support this population's unique medical and emotional needs.

The magazine details a $9.7 million research grant from the University of California Office of the President and CAL FIRE that will expand the ability of cancer center researchers to study wildfire smoke and cancer risk among firefighters. Another study conducted by researchers shows that wildfire exposure may also lower survival rates for lung cancer patients.

The issue also features inspirational stories, including a patient who returned to the slopes after receiving care from UC Davis surgical oncologist Cameron Gaskill, a global leader in pancreatic cancer treatment and research.

There's also the story of Gerald Hecox, a stage 4 bladder cancer patient. His inspiring journey included a return to golf after participating in a clinical trial for a promising bladder cancer drug developed by cancer center scientists.

The issue further highlights how UC Davis Health builds connections beyond the clinic. For example, a prostate cancer patient threw out the first pitch at an Oakland A's game to encourage men to get screened.

There are other stories of how the community is advancing the search for cancer cures at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center by raising money for research. Readers can explore these topics and more by checking out the winter issue of Synthesis.