United Against Cancer

News from the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center

UMC New Orleans Celebrates Cancer Center Expansion

University Medical Center New Orleans has expanded its Cancer Center, increasing capacity for advanced treatment, specialty care, clinical research and patient support. The $2 million expansion brings the center to 28 exam rooms and 25 infusion chairs, creating room to serve more patients and grow programs in areas such as lung and gastrointestinal cancers, genetics, bone marrow transplantation and early-phase clinical trials.

The expansion also strengthens the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center’s ability to connect research with patient care, recruit highly specialized physicians and train the next generation of healthcare professionals. These are important steps in our journey toward NCI designation. Most importantly, it will help bring more innovative treatments and comprehensive cancer care to patients in Louisiana, closer to home.

Thank you to Congressman Troy Carter for his pivotal support in bringing this vision to life.

LSU Vet Med Advancing Breakthrough Cancer Research

Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, with fewer than 5% of anti-cancer drugs successfully transitioning from laboratory testing to human therapy.

In Louisiana, where the cancer burden is especially severe with over 30,000 new cases diagnosed annually, the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is stepping up to change those statistics.

Leveraging an $11 million federal grant, the Pre-Clinical Cancer Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) at LSU Vet Med is utilizing a "One Health" approach to bridge the gap between animal and human cancer research. Researchers are focusing on innovative strategies, such as developing 3D lab-grown tumors for better drug testing, engineering viruses to destroy cancer cells, creating nature-inspired drugs, and conducting comparative oncology trials in pets.

These efforts aim to secure a National Cancer Institute designation for Louisiana, increasing access to advanced, collaborative treatments.

To learn more about how these world-class teams are transforming the future of oncology, read the full story: https://www.lsu.edu/vetmed/blog/2026/cancer_research.php

Pictured are three leading cancer researchers at LSU Vet Med: Drs. Joseph Francis, Konstantin "Gus" Kousoulas, and Seetharama Jois (l to r).

Louisiana Breast and Cervical Health Program Receives More Than $3 Million from CDC

The Louisiana Breast and Cervical Health Program (LBCHP), a program of the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center and housed at the LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health, has received more than $3 million from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to expand access to breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnostic services and patient navigation across Louisiana.

Donna Williams, MPH, Dr.PH, Associate Dean of Public Health for LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health and Associate Director of Community Outreach and Engagement for the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, leads the program.

Funded for the fifth consecutive year, the grant will strengthen Louisiana’s coordinated approach to preventing cancer and detecting it earlier and more treatable stages.

Since its establishment in 2002, the Louisiana Breast and Cervical Health Program has:

Screened more than 118,000 women
Diagnosed 1,648 breast cancers
Diagnosed 249 cervical cancers
Provided 44,497 patient navigation encounters

Dr. Omeed Moaven Appointed to the Editorial Board of the Annals of Surgical Oncology

Congratulations to Omeed Moaven, MD, Vice Chair of Research - Department of Surgery and member of the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, for accepting a prestigious 3-year appointment to the Editorial Board of the Annals of Surgical Oncology (ASO).

He will be lending his specialized expertise to the Pancreatic Tumors Section. The Annals of Surgical Oncology is the premier global journal for surgical oncologists, dedicated to advancing academic research, clinical practice, and education worldwide. In this vital role, Dr. Moaven will shape the future of pancreatic oncology literature by leading peer reviews, contributing expert editorial commentaries, and championing high-impact research. This appointment is a direct reflection of Dr. Moaven's national reputation, his deep commitment to academic excellence, and his ongoing dedication to improving care for patients facing complex pancreatic malignancies.

Please join us in extending our warmest congratulations to Dr. Moaven on this well-deserved honor!

About Us - The LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center advances the fight against cancer through an integrated approach that brings together innovative research, patient-centered clinical care, and next-generation education. Research drives our mission, fueling discoveries that improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. In partnership with LCMC Health, our clinical teams deliver advanced, personalized cancer care to patients across Louisiana. Through the Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology at LSU Health New Orleans, we are also training the future leaders of cancer medicine and research. Together, we are expanding access to innovation and improving outcomes for the communities we serve.

Learn more: lsulcmchealthcancercenter.org

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