Neuro-Oncology Research
The LSU Health New Orleans Department of Neurosurgery and LSU-LCMC Health Cancer Center are committed to advancing the science of neuro-oncology through innovative clinical, translational, and collaborative research. Our mission is to improve outcomes for patients with primary and metastatic tumors of the brain, spine, and central nervous system by developing and translating discoveries into new standards of care.
Our faculty, clinicians, trainees, and research staff are dedicated to identifying novel therapies, improving diagnostic technologies, advancing precision medicine, and increasing access to cutting-edge clinical trials for patients throughout Louisiana and the Gulf South. Through multidisciplinary collaboration and scientific discovery, we seek to transform the care of patients with neurologic cancers and train the next generation of physician-scientists and clinical investigators.
Our Program
The LSU Neuro-Oncology Research Program conducts comprehensive clinical and translational research focused on cancers of the central nervous system. Our broad expertise spans molecular neuro-oncology, precision medicine, clinical trials, biomarker development, neuroimaging, quality-of-life outcomes, and health disparities research.
The program is led by:
Yazmin Odia, MD, MS, MBA, FAAN
Associate Professor of Clinical Neurosurgery
Director of Neuro-Oncology, Louisiana State University Health Service Center
Medical Director, Cancer Center Clinical Trials Office, LSU-LCMC Health Cancer Center
Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology in the Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center for
Research
Contact Information
Email: yodia@lsuhsc.edu
Phone: 504-340-6976, ext. 7147
Schedule and Appointments
Dr. Odia is a nationally recognized neuro-oncologist and clinical trialist who has
served as principal investigator or co-investigator on more than 30 clinical trials
and translational studies and has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed publications.
She leads the development of LSU’s neuro-oncology clinical and research programs with
a vision of building a premier academic center for brain tumor research and patient
care.
Our Research Mission
The LSU Neuro-Oncology Research Program is dedicated to:
- Developing novel therapies for gliomas, meningiomas, and brain metastases
- Expanding access to investigator-initiated and cooperative group clinical trials
- Advancing precision medicine and molecular diagnostics
- Improving survivorship, quality of life, and supportive care for patients with CNS tumors
- Promoting translational research that bridges laboratory discoveries and clinical application
- Training medical students, residents, fellows, and junior faculty in neuro-oncology research
Our Team is a Strong Interdisciplinary Collaboration of:
- Neuro-oncologists
- Yazmin Odia
- APP Rachel Lobell
- RN Navigator Sue Perez
- Neurosurgeons
- Radiation oncologists
- Jill Vincent (UMC, EJ)
- Dan Koffler (EJ)
- Sid Padenhamba (EJ)
- Ashley Brown (UMC, WJ, EJ)
- Kareem Fakhoury (UMC, WJ)
- Neuropathologists
- Neuroradiologists
- David Theriot (WJ, EJ)
- Anandraj Kanwar (UMC)
- Rehabilitation specialists
- Culicchia group PMR team
- Basic and translational scientists
- Balveen Kaur
- Krystoff Reiss
- Upasana Sahu (res track assistant professor)
- Karina Vazquez Arreguin (res track assitant professor)
- Clinical research professionals and biostatisticians
- Residents, fellows, and medical students
- Neurology, Neurosurgery, Neuropathology, Medical School
Central Nervous System (CNS) cancers we treat include:
- Glioblastoma
- Astrocytomas, Oligodendrogliomas, and other gliomas
- Ganglioglioma / Gangliocytoma, and other glioneuronal tumors
- Ependymoma
- Meningioma
- Medulloblastoma
- Olfactory neuroblastoma (esthesioneuroblastoma)
- Paraganglioma
- Peripheral Nerve Tumors
- Spine tumors
- Metastases to the brain, spine, and meninges
Through partnerships across LSU Health New Orleans, LCMC Health, the Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, and national cooperative groups, our investigators can participate in clinical research that spans the entire spectrum of neuro-oncology care.
Current clinical trials
The LSU Neuro-Oncology Research Program provides patients access to innovative therapies through national cooperative group studies and industry-sponsored clinical trials.
Cancer Center Clinical Trials Open Throughout the LCMC System by Site:
Research Areas of Interest
- Glioblastoma and diffuse gliomas
- IDH-mutant gliomas
- Meningioma therapeutics
- Brain metastases
- Precision oncology and molecular diagnostics
- Neuroimaging biomarkers
- Novel systemic therapies and immunotherapy
- Quality of life and survivorship
- Health disparities in neuro-oncology
- Clinical trial diversity and access
Research Training and Education
The Neuro-Oncology Research Program is committed to mentoring the next generation of investigators through participation in:
- Medical student research projects
- Resident and fellow scholarly activity
- Clinical trial education
- Translational research collaborations
- National cooperative group participation
- Research mentorship and career development initiatives
Facilities and Partnerships
- LSU Health New Orleans
- LSU-LCMC Health Cancer Center
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center for Research
- University Medical Center New Orleans
- East Jefferson General Hospital
- National Cancer Institute cooperative groups
- Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology
- NRG Oncology
- Industry and translational research collaborators