LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center

12/05/2026

After a lifetime spent caring for patients, Dr. Vargas found himself on the other side of medicine facing a rare and aggressive cancer.

With limited options, he turned to a clinical trial. What followed was nothing short of remarkable. His journey is a powerful reminder that clinical trials aren’t just research. They can be a lifeline.

Read his story:
https://www.medschool.lsuhsc.edu/cancer_center/newsroom/from_physician_to_patient_dr_vargass_journey_with_a_clinical_trial.aspx

Dr. Alfonso Vargas, a retired pediatric endocrinologist, faced rare Merkel cell carcinoma and joined a groundbreaking LSU LCMC Health clinical trial using pembrolizumab. His journey highlights scientific progress, hope, and the life-saving power of research and philanthropy.

11/05/2026

This National Hospital Week, we’re proud to recognize our partners at LCMC Health and the incredible teams who care for patients across our community every day.

Through our partnership, the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center is able to bring world-class cancer care, clinical trials, and compassionate support closer to home for patients across Louisiana.

To every nurse, physician, researcher, and staff member -- thank you for the care you provide and the lives you impact.

LCMC Health provides expert, compassionate cancer care with advanced diagnostics, leading treatments, and full support for patients and families.

11/05/2026

May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month, a time to recognize the patients, families, clinicians, and researchers working to advance care and improve outcomes.

Dr. Yazmin Odia is helping lead that effort as Director of Neuro-Oncology for LCMC Health and Medical Director of the Clinical Trials Office at LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center.

Through innovative research, clinical trials, and compassionate patient care, she is helping expand access to advanced brain tumor treatment here in Louisiana and across the Gulf South.

Learn more: https://www.lcmchealth.org/find-a-provider/yazmin-odia-md/

08/05/2026

Clinical trials and rare cancer research are helping shape the future of cancer care in Louisiana.

Join us for our upcoming Community Colloquium with Dr. Mary Maluccio from The Rare Cancer Program to learn how collaboration, research, and expanded access to clinical trials are bringing specialized cancer care closer to home for patients across the Gulf South.

Dr. Maluccio will discuss:
- Expanding access to clinical trials
- Strengthening partnerships in neuroendocrine cancer care
- The Rare Cancer Program
- Research focused on discovering new treatment targets

Together, we are working to improve outcomes and increase access to innovative care for patients throughout our region.

Click on the QR code to register!

08/05/2026

Clinical trials can feel overwhelming, but they don’t have to be.

They are a critical part of advancing cancer care and often provide access to new treatments not yet widely available. Understanding how they work is the first step in making informed decisions about your care.

At the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, we’re committed to helping patients and families navigate clinical trials with clarity and confidence.

Learn more: https://www.medschool.lsuhsc.edu/cancer_center/patients/clinical_trials_for_patients.aspx

At LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, research drives everything we do. Clinical trials connect our scientist' discoveries in the lab with real-world patient care turning science into survival. 

07/05/2026

What does a day in the life of a clinical trial nurse look like?

Meet Muriel, whose work helps connect patients to cutting-edge cancer research and compassionate care close to home. From coordinating clinical trials to supporting patients through every step of the process, clinical trial nurses play a critical role in advancing cancer care across Louisiana.

Watch Muriel’s story and learn more about the people helping turn research into hope for patients and families.

➡️ ttps://youtube.com/shorts/7sYW6jNgcmY?si=3AWBdR3_Wh-d4mnn

Get an inside look at how clinical trials coordinators support patients, guide care, and help bring research to life every day.

07/05/2026

This National Cancer Research Month, we’re highlighting a critical truth: research only works when it reflects the people it’s meant to serve.

Clinical trials are essential to advancing cancer care. But too often, they don’t include the full range of our communities. That matters, because representation in research directly impacts how treatments work across different populations.

At the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, we’re working to change that. Expanding access, building trust, and ensuring more patients across Louisiana have the opportunity to participate in research that could shape the future of cancer care.

Read more:

Learn how LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center is advancing cancer care through diverse, inclusive, and community-driven clinical trials.

06/05/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Amelia Jernigan on being named Cancer Service Line Director for LCMC Health.

Dr. Jernigan has been a driving force in advancing multidisciplinary cancer care across our system, working closely with the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center to expand access to clinical trials, strengthen collaboration, and bring innovative treatments to patients across Louisiana.

This leadership role reflects not only her clinical excellence, but her commitment to ensuring patients receive world-class cancer care close to home.

Read more:

Dr. Amelia Jernigan Named Cancer Service Line Director for LCMC Health

06/05/2026

There are a few hours left to donate!

The LSU Health Foundation, New Orleans is an institutionally related 501(c)(3) organization that exists to support LSU Health New Orleans and its fourfold mission of education, patient care, research, and community outreach. LSU Health treats over one million patients...

05/05/2026

There’s still time to make an impact this GiveNOLA Day.

Your support of the LSU Health Foundation New Orleans directly fuels the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center helping deliver breakthroughs in research, improve early detection, and expand access to care for communities across our state.

Every gift, no matter the size, moves us closer to a future where cancer care is stronger, smarter, and closer to home.

Don’t miss your chance to give.

Donate now: https://www.givenola.org/organization/LSUHealthFoundation

The LSU Health Foundation, New Orleans is an institutionally related 501(c)(3) organization that exists to support LSU Health New Orleans and its fourfold mission of education, patient care, research, and community outreach. LSU Health treats over one million patients...

05/05/2026

This GiveNOLA Day, your support goes further than you think.

When you give to the LSU Health Foundation New Orleans, you’re directly supporting the work of the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center fueling life-saving research, expanding access to care, and bringing new hope to patients and families across Louisiana.

From advancing innovative treatments to improving early detection and prevention, every gift helps us move closer to a future where world-class cancer care is available close to home.

Join us in making a difference today.

Give now: https://www.givenola.org/organization/LSUHealthFoundation