The LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center is intensifying its focus on cancer research and equitable care, aiming to reduce the burden of cancer in Louisiana communities. The center's experts emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and addressing health disparities to ensure that advancements in cancer treatment reach those who need them most.
Community-Focused Research
Dr. Joe W. Ramos, Director of the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, highlighted the center's commitment to serving the community through high-quality research. "We are doing the highest quality of research but always in service of our community," said Dr. Ramos. He emphasized the need to link various elements of cancer research and treatment to maximize impact across the state.
Dr. Amelia Jernigan, Associate Professor and Division Director of Gynecologic Oncology at LSU Health New Orleans, stressed the importance of clinical trials. "I can’t overstate how important it is to have access to these trials for patients in our state," Dr. Jernigan stated, addressing misconceptions about clinical trials being only for when there are no other options. She highlighted that clinical trials also focus on understanding medication toxicity and improving patients' quality of life.
Expanding Access Through Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are a key component of advancing cancer research and providing the latest treatment options to patients. Dr. Augusto Ochoa, Deputy Director of the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, leads the Gulf South Clinical Trials Network, which aims to provide equitable cancer care and community outreach across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The network, with 49 clinical sites, has enrolled over 1500 patients each year, with a significant focus on minority and underserved populations.
"A full 50% are minority and underserved patients," said Dr. Ochoa, underscoring the network's success in addressing health disparities.
Global Collaboration and Local Impact
The LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center is also engaged in global research collaborations, including projects in Zambia and Tanzania, to understand how HIV can affect cancer development. Dr. Charles Wood, Associate Director of Basic Research, emphasized the dual focus on helping and learning through these collaborations.
The center's teams are dedicated to tailoring their approaches to local communities, particularly those historically underserved and with the greatest need for equitable access to resources. "It’s great to have new therapies and treatments, but you have to be able to get it to everyone that needs it," said Dr. Ramos, reinforcing the center's commitment to ensuring that advancements in cancer treatment reach all who need them.
