Director’s message
At LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, we are committed to delivering world-class cancer care to every patient in Louisiana and nationally. In Louisiana, we take pride in our rich history, food, music, and diverse cultural heritage across the state. But we also know there are some people in our communities with limited access to high-quality, affordable health care.
If you’re one of the tens of thousands of people in our state who has been diagnosed with cancer, you know firsthand the difficulties this disease can bring. We have a higher incidence of cancer and a lower rate of survival than most of the US. And, as with the rest of the US, there are differences in outcomes based on a person’s race, education level, place of residence, and income. That’s unacceptable.
What is clear is that all Louisianians deserve first-class cancer care.
Alongside our commitment to become the first NCI-designated cancer center in Louisiana, our mission extends beyond treatment — we strive to educate, engage, and empower our community with the latest advancements in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. We believe that the best patient is an informed patient, and we are here to provide you and your loved ones with the knowledge and resources to navigate cancer with confidence.
In Louisiana, cancer rates are over 40% higher than the national average.
Expanding Access to Care and Clinical Trials
Innovation and accessibility are at the heart of what we do. Through our state-of-the-art clinical trials office, we are actively expanding access to clinical trials across Louisiana and nationally, ensuring patients receive the most advanced therapies available. Our innovative efforts connect more patients with clinical trials, efforts such as our Virtual Research Nurse program, which helps patients access groundbreaking treatments without requiring them to travel long distances.
Advancing the Future of Cancer Treatment
Two of the most promising advancements shaping the future of cancer care and our research are precision oncology and immunotherapy. Precision oncology tailors treatments based on a tumor’s molecular profile rather than its location in the body, allowing for highly targeted therapies. Additionally, personalized mRNA cancer vaccines — designed to train the immune system to recognize and fight specific cancer mutations — are revolutionizing immunotherapy, offering new hope for more effective, individualized treatment.
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Better Outcomes
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming cancer care, from optimizing diagnosis through advanced image analysis to accelerating the discovery of new treatments. AI-driven tools can rapidly screen for promising drugs, tailor communications for diverse patient populations, and analyze complex data sets to predict individual cancer risks and treatment responses. By integrating AI into our research and care, we are enhancing precision medicine and personalizing treatments for each patient.
Building the Next Generation of Cancer Researchers
Advancing cancer research requires continuous innovation and a dedicated pipeline of future scientists. Cancer research is an ever-progressing field, and we are committed to training the next generation of cancer researchers, from high school students to postdoctoral fellows. Our robust cancer research training programs ensure that young scientists are equipped with the skills to drive groundbreaking discoveries, particularly those addressing the unique cancer challenges faced by our Louisiana community.
Upholding Our Commitment to Louisiana
Cancer not only affects individuals but also impacts families, communities, and our entire state. Despite national declines in cancer mortality, Louisiana continues to experience higher-than-average death rates from cancer. Our goal is to change that. Through state-of-the-art treatments, collaborative community outreach, and proactive education initiatives, we are committed to reducing the burden of cancer in our region. By increasing awareness and access to screenings, we can catch cancer at its most treatable stages.
With Us, You Are Not Alone
At LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, we strive to be world class not out of ambition, but because we care. We understand the range of challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis, and we are here to provide innovative treatment options, world class research, medical expertise, compassion, and hope. Whether you are seeking treatment, exploring clinical trials, or learning how to reduce your risk, we are honored to be part of your journey.
Thank you,
Lucio Miele
Director, LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center