The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) was rated among the top 10% nationally for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report in its 2025-2026 Best Hospitals ranking, becoming the only hospital in Arkansas to make the list of the nation’s top cancer centers.
This year, UAMS received a cancer score of 54.3, earning it a “High Performing” designation, up 14% from previous years and a reflection of consistent improvement in quality and patient outcomes.
“This ranking reflects years of investment in talented physicians and scientists, innovative clinical trials, cancer research and cutting-edge technology,” said Michael Birrer, M.D., Ph.D., director of the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute and UAMS vice chancellor. “There is no team in Arkansas more passionate and dedicated to offering advanced, research-driven treatments with compassion and excellence.”
The U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on objective measures such as patient outcomes, nurse staffing, patient services and the use of advanced technologies.
Cancer centers in the top 10% of scores nationally are designated as “High Performing.”
UAMS received excellent ratings in several key areas, including patient survival, nurse staffing, discharges to home, advanced technologies, patient services and overall patient experience and quality of stay.
Additionally, specific areas of cancer care at UAMS were rated as high performing, including leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma; colon cancer surgery; gynecological cancer surgery; and lung cancer surgery.
“This national recognition affirms the exceptional work of our cancer care teams across UAMS and the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute,” said C. Lowry Barnes, M.D., interim chancellor. “It reflects our commitment to providing evidenced-based care and the collective strength of the UAMS clinical enterprise.”
The UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute is Arkansas’ only academic cancer research center and home to the state’s largest cancer clinical trials program.
With more than 190 scientists researching cancer and a statewide patient outreach and engagement program, the Cancer Institute is preparing to submit its formal application for National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation in January 2026, a milestone that would bring even more advanced cancer research, treatment and funding to Arkansas.