Louisiana Cancer Research Center - LCRC

03/18/2026

Trying to quit smoking? See below for how to access 12 weeks of free combination ni****ne replacement therapy, an effective way to kick the habit.

Support someone on their quit journey today.

The Louisiana To***co Quitline is offering 12 weeks of FREE combination ni****ne replacement therapy (NRT) through June 2026 to help people quit to***co for good.

Encourage someone to take the first step:
• Text READY to 34191
• Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW
• Visit quitwithusla.org

Quitting to***co is possible, and FREE help is available.

03/16/2026

Thursday at noon at the LCRC- Gloria Echeverria, PhD, assistant professor, Baylor College of Medicine and the Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center will present: "Mitochondria at the Crossroads of Bioenergetics and Stress Signaling in Triple Negative Breast Cancer." Details below!

03/13/2026

Congratulations to Matthew E. Burow, PhD, associate professor of Medicine and Surgery in Hematology & Medical Oncology at Tulane University School of Medicineand LCRC faculty member, for being named a Senior Member by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), a designation that recognizes rising stars who drive a culture of innovation on campus and help develop the next generation of inventors. Dr. Burow advances translational research in hormone-responsive breast cancer and metabolic disease. His work focuses on developing therapeutics derived from plant-based compounds, including glyceollins, that target estrogen signaling and tumor growth pathways. By bridging molecular discoveries with patented treatment strategies, he aims to improve outcomes for patients while addressing the connection between obesity, metabolism and cancer progression.

03/11/2026

LCRC Seed Grant At Work >>>> LSU College of Science Chemistry Professor Dr. Fatima Rivas received a pilot award from the Louisiana Cancer Research Center to look more closely at chemical reactions occurring in the human body that synthesize cholesterol. Along this pathway, intermediate molecules are formed and can sometimes become oxidized during cellular stress. Dr. Rivas is studying whether one of these understudied molecules could help fight colorectal cancer...

Awareness of colorectal cancer has grown in recent years as rates continue to rise among younger adults, and the disease remains one of the most common and deadly cancers in the United States.

At LSU, chemistry professor Dr. Fatima Rivas is studying an oxidized intermediate from the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. Because it closely resembles cholesterol, cancer cells may take it up naturally — but once inside, the molecule can disrupt critical processes they rely on to survive, acting like a molecular “Trojan horse.”

In laboratory experiments, the compound slowed the growth of colorectal cancer cells while showing less impact on healthy tissue.

Supported by a Seed Grant from the Louisiana Cancer Research Center, the research is still in its early stages as scientists work to validate the findings and identify the molecule’s cellular targets.

🔬 Read more: https://www.lsu.edu/science/news/2026/03/rivas-pilot.php

LSU Department of Chemistry
LSU Research

03/09/2026

LCRC partner Ochsner Health is participating in a clinical research study evaluating the Galleri blood test that screens for multiple types of cancer. Led by principal investigator and LCRC faculty member Marc Matrana, MD, the REACH study is examining how the Galleri® test affects patient care in real-world settings, in addition to the standard cancer screenings doctors currently recommend. Seniors with Medicare Part A and Part B or a Medicare Advantage plan, who are at least 50 years old and have not had cancer in the past three years, may qualify for the study. For details, call 504-703-4440 or email REACH.study@ochsner.org.

03/05/2026

Thank you, Dr. Peter Park, director of bioinformatics and integrative genomics (BIG) at Harvard Medical School, for your presentation today, "A New Mechanism for Oncogene Amplification in Breast Cancer."

03/04/2026

Distinguished Speaker at the LCRC tomorrow - Peter Park, PhD, director of bioinformatics and integrative genomics (BIG) at Harvard Medical School will present, "A New Mechanism for Oncogene Amplification in Breast Cancer."
Details below!

03/03/2026

We will always be grateful for the many contributions of Dr. Norman C. Francis as a member of the LCRC board of directors, advancing cancer research and education in Louisiana.

Promoting education and conducting research in the diagnosis, detection and treatment of cancer in Louisiana.

02/25/2026

Dr. Tian is one of 12 Louisiana researchers to receive an LCRC Pilot Award to develop the preliminary data that can be used to apply for more funding from significant external sources.

🔬 New Research Award Supports Colorectal Cancer Discovery

Tulane Cancer Center Researcher Aiguo Tian, PhD, has received a $50,000 Seed Fund Grant from the Louisiana Cancer Research Center - LCRC to study how bacterial infections may contribute to colorectal cancer.

Using the fruit fly, a powerful model for studying human disease, Dr. Tian’s research explores how infections can trigger intestinal stem cells to grow and multiply. While this process normally helps repair tissue, it can also lead to uncontrolled cell growth that contributes to cancer.

By uncovering how infection-related signals disrupt normal cell growth, this project could help identify new strategies for preventing and treating colorectal cancer.

Early-stage research like this helps drive tomorrow’s cancer breakthroughs.

Tulane University School of Medicine

02/23/2026

Tommorow--Tuesday, Feb. 24 - A webinar from our partners at The Louisiana Campaign for To***co-Free Living, a program of the LCRC, will explain who the Quitline is reaching across Louisiana, how engagement is measured, how Louisiana compares to the 1% national benchmark, and opportunities to strengthen evidence-based cessation support statewide.
Register at bit.ly/4aBEsDn or scan the QR code.

02/18/2026

Now that Mardi Gras is over, the next 40 days are a time of abstinence for many people. Why not give up smoking and va**ng? The Louisiana To***co Control Initiative, a program of the LCRC, can help.

LA-TCI provides behavioral counseling, access to low or no-cost medication, and referrals to other cessation services for thousands of to***co users across Louisiana.

02/15/2026

Wishing everyone a healthy, happy Mardi Gras, a one-of-a-kind tradition and great way to embrace our rich culture. In moderation, of course!