Bidens Award $23M to Tulane Cancer Center Researchers J. Quincy Brown & Brian Summa |
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President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden visited Tulane University to announce a $23M cancer research grant from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), a federal agency established by the Biden Administration to rapidly advance high-potential, high-impact biomedical research.
This innovative technology will allow doctors to scan a tumor during surgery and determine within minutes whether any cancer tissue has been left behind. Imagine the impact—while patients are still under anesthesia, doctors will have the ability to ensure all cancerous tissue is removed, allowing for less tissue to be removed and leading to a shorter healing period, potentially eliminating the need for repeated surgeries, and offering peace of mind to countless patients.
The project is one of eight included in a $150 million funding initiative announced by President Biden to develop novel technologies that will allow surgeons to remove cancerous tumors with higher accuracy. If successful, these technologies will revolutionize surgeries, dramatically reducing rates of repeat procedures.
Before their remarks, the Bidens met privately with Tulane University President Mike Fitts, Brown, Summa and other researchers for a demonstration on how the system would work. Biden said he was amazed at what he observed.
“It’s incredible,” he said. “It’s a roadmap doctors can follow during surgery; unlike anything they’ve seen before. It's a promising step to reduce the need for follow-up surgeries and improve treatments. We’re moving quickly because we know all families touched by cancer are on a race against time.”
MAGIC-SCAN is an acronym for Machine-learning Assisted Gigantic Image Cancer margin SCANner. It would be one of the world’s fastest high-resolution tissue scanners, capable of detecting residual cancer cells on the surface of removed organs within minutes. The system would be trained on thousands of clinical scans so that it can accurately highlight cancer at the cellular level as it renders a highly detailed 3D map of the surface of the tumor.
Tulane researchers have already been working on developing this technology using prostate and colorectal cancer patients – two of the most difficult kinds of tumors to remove – and they’ve managed to get the detection time down to about 45 minutes.
Collaborating with Tulane will be researchers from the University of Georgia and the University of Utah. Clinical validation of the device will be accomplished with partners at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Southeast Louisiana Veterans Hospital and East Jefferson General Hospital. The Tulane-spinout company Instapath Inc. will help the team develop FDA-compliant versions of the new scanner.
“Many of us know either personally, or through a friend or family member, the fear and anxiety that precedes a cancer surgery, wondering will the surgeon be able to remove all of the tumor," said Brown. "It is a hard job, one which is made harder by the fact that there are no good technologies that can help them to determine whether the surgery has been successful until days later, when it is too late to change the surgery.”
News of the ARPA-H award arrives as Tulane is experiencing unprecedented momentum in every dimension of university life – including record-breaking research funding, historic levels of interest from the nation’s top students and a once-in-a-generation physical expansion, especially on its downtown campus. A recent report revealed that through its current momentum Tulane has become an economic and community powerhouse for New Orleans and Louisiana, making an annual $5.2 billion impact on the state’s economy.
"The grant funding and President Biden’s support are a testament to the incredible strides we at Tulane are making in cancer research by bringing together the best minds from across disciplines – in this case engineering, computer science, and medicine," said Tulane Cancer Center Director Stefan Grant, MD, JD, MBA. "This moment marks a historic milestone for Tulane University and Tulane Cancer Center, and we are immensely proud to be part of the Biden Cancer Moonshot initiative."
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Man Up with New Orleans Saints Hall-of-Famer Rickey Jackson & GEAUX GET SCREENED! |
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For Rickey Jackson, legendary New Orleans Saint and NFL Hall of Famer, being a man is about more than just dominating the football field—it’s about staying healthy to care for the ones he loves.
Saturday, September 7
9 AM - Noon
Esplanade 1 Conference Room, 1st Floor
East Jefferson General Hospital
4200 Houma Blvd., Metairie
In addition to receiving a free PSA test—a simple blood draw that can help assess prostate cancer risk—attendees will hear Jackson’s personal story about his own battle with prostate cancer and his road to recovery. Fans can also snap photos with Jackson, former Saints Quarterback Bobby Hebert, and other NFL stars.
“We’re kicking off the NFL season with an event that really matters,” Jackson said. “My former teammates know what I went through with my cancer diagnosis, and they’re eager to help raise awareness and encourage men to take advantage of this potentially life-saving screening.”
The event will feature games, prizes, and health insights from Tulane’s experts. Plus, everyone who gets screened will be entered to win memorabilia signed by Jackson and other Saints legends.
“We’re excited to offer this quick and crucial PSA screening for prostate cancer,” says Tulane Cancer Center Member Dr. Raju Thomas, chair of Tulane’s Department of Urology. “This screening is a key step in detecting not just cancer, but also conditions like an enlarged prostate.”
The American Cancer Society reports that about one in eight men will face a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Early detection is crucial—when caught early, the 5-year survival rate is 99 percent. The American Cancer Society recommends that men have a chance to make an informed decision with their health care provider about whether to be screened for prostate cancer. The decision should be made after getting information about the possible benefits, risks, and uncertainties of prostate cancer screening. The discussion about screening should take place at:
- Age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and are expected to live at least 10 more years
- Age 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes African American men and men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65)
- Age 40 for men at even higher risk (those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age)
“I want to spread the word about this silent killer,” Jackson said. “My uncle passed away from prostate cancer, so I know firsthand how serious it is. I felt perfectly healthy when I was diagnosed, but I didn’t wait—I got aggressive with treatment, and now I’m cancer-free!”
Families and men of all ages are welcome at the event, but screening spots are limited to the first 100 eligible men.
Free parking is available in the Hudson Garage, located on the west side of the hospital. Enter the main hospital from the Hudson Garage and go to the Esplanade Conference Room on the first floor.
For more information on Man Up, please contact Tulane Urology at 504-988-2750.
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20 Tulane Cancer Center Physicians Named "Top Doctors" |
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Tulane Cancer Center Member Emad Kandil, MD, MBA, Professor & Elias Hanna Chair in Surgery and Chief of General, Endocrine and Oncologic Surgery at Tulane is a "Top Doctor" in this region. |
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Brian Lewis, MD, MPH
Bridgette Collins-Burow, MD, PhD
Nakhle Saba, MD
Hana Safah, MD
Mark Sides, MD, PhD
Chancellor Donald, MD
New Orleans Magazine utilized the services of Castle Connolly to compile this year's list. With over 30 years' experience researching, reviewing and selecting Top Doctors, Castle Connolly's mission is to help people find the best healthcare by connecting patients with best-in-class healthcare providers.
Castle Connolly’s physician-led team of researchers follows a rigorous screening process to select top doctors on both the regional and national levels. Its online nominations process is open to all licensed physicians in America who are able to nominate physicians in any medical specialty and in any part of the country, as well as indicate whether the nominated physician(s) is, in their opinion, among the best in the region in their medical specialty or among the best in the nation in their medical specialty.
Then Castle Connolly’s research team thoroughly vets each physician's professional qualifications, education, hospital and faculty appointments, research leadership, professional reputation, disciplinary history, and if available, outcomes data. Additionally, a physician's interpersonal skills, such as listening and communicating effectively, demonstrating empathy, and instilling trust and confidence are also considered in the review process.
Congratulations to the 174 Tulane Doctors across 50 specialties who made the list this year. Other Tulane Cancer Center faculty members making the list include:
Hans Andersson, MD – Clinical Genetics
Jacquelyn Turner, MD – Colon & Rectal Surgery
Erin Boh, MD, PhD – Dermatology
Jeffrey Lackey, MD – Dermatology
Jessica Shank, MD – Gynecologic Oncology
Maissaa Janbain, MD – Hematology
Paul Friedlander, MD – Otolaryngology
Ihor Yosypiv, MD – Pediatric Nephrology
Samir El-Dahr, MD – Pediatric Nephrology
Joseph Lasky, MD – Pulmonary Disease
Ramsy Abdelghani, MD – Pulmonary Disease
P. Ronald Clisham, MD – Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility
Emad Kandil, MD, MBA – Surgery
Raju Thomas, MD, MHA - Urology
To book an appointment with any of the amazing Tulane Doctors listed above, please call - 504-988-5000.
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Tulane School of Medicine Receives $10 Million from the Marshall Family to Fight Cancer |
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The gift, prompted by Board of Tulane member and alumnus E. Pierce Marshall Jr., honors the memory of Marshall’s father, E. Pierce Marshall. (Photo provided by the Marshall family) |
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A combined $10 million gift from the Marshall Heritage Foundation and the Marshall Legacy Foundation will help transform Tulane University’s fight against cancer by creating a faculty chair, a dedicated research fund and state-of-the-art laboratories at the School of Medicine.
The gift, prompted by Board of Tulane member and alumnus E. Pierce Marshall Jr., honors the memory of Marshall’s father, E. Pierce Marshall, who died in 2006 of complications from leukemia at age 67.
“Tulane was founded in 1834 as a medical school focused on combating yellow fever in the New Orleans region. This gift will exponentially enhance Tulane’s efforts against one of the most devastating scourges of modern times – cancer. We could not be more grateful to Pierce and his family for this extraordinary investment in Tulane’s School of Medicine through a gift that is a moving and consequential tribute to his father,” said Tulane University President Michael A. Fitts
The donation also helps advance Tulane’s plans to make its downtown campus a regional hub for biotechnological innovation and bolsters the university’s pursuit of a prestigious National Cancer Institute designation for the New Orleans metro area in partnership with LCMC Health, the Louisiana Cancer Research Center and LSU Health New Orleans.
“Of all the gifts our family has made to Tulane, this one is the most meaningful,” said Marshall, the president and chief executive officer of Élevage Capital Management, a Dallas investment firm. “My father passed away prematurely from leukemia. By making this investment in Tulane School of Medicine, my family hopes to make a substantial difference in the fight against cancer. I look forward to seeing Tulane’s doctors and scientists make incredible breakthroughs in the years ahead.”
The gift will:
- Dedicate $3 million to establish the E. Pierce Marshall Memorial Chair, an endowed faculty position whose holder will focus on cancer research.
- Provide $2 million to create the E. Pierce Marshall Memorial Research Endowed Fund, which will specifically support cancer research.
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Commit $5 million to finance the renovation of the seventh floor of the School of Medicine’s Hutchinson Memorial Building, including the construction of a suite of laboratories for cancer research to be named the E. Pierce Marshall Memorial Laboratories.
“This tremendous gift is a boon for the advancement of oncological science at our medical school,” said Dr. Lee Hamm, senior vice president and dean of the School of Medicine. “It gives Tulane the ability to hire a brilliant mind in cancer research and provides us with both the ample resources and the top-notch facilities to unlock the mysteries behind this disease and develop medical solutions. I thank Pierce and his family for their exceptional generosity.”
Marshall graduated from Tulane’s A. B. Freeman School of Business with a bachelor’s degree in management in 1990. In addition to his role on the Board of Tulane, the university’s main governing body, he serves on the Business School Council and the Executive Campaign Council for the Always the Audacious fundraising campaign. He lives in Dallas with his wife, Kristen, and their son.
The Marshall family’s anchor gift in 2014 created the Marshall Family Commons inside the expanded Goldring/Woldenberg Business Complex on Tulane’s uptown campus. Pierce Marshall has been a recurring judge for the annual Tulane Business Model Competition and has philanthropically supported its operations. He is a member of the Olive and Blue Society of top donors to Tulane Athletics and was inducted into the Paul Tulane Society, which honors individuals and organizations who have given $1 million or more to the university.
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Free COVID Prevention Kits for Cancer Patients Now Available through Pilot Study |
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His analysis of wastewater surveillance data indicates that the United States is about a quarter of the way through the second wave of COVID this year, driven by waning immunity from December/January holiday infections. Summer travel and the start of school will trigger more infections, he says.
For people undergoing cancer treatment, a COVID infection is extremely serious. If someone with cancer catches COVID, they typically will need to discontinue anti-cancer treatments on average for 35 days, and 10% will need to stop treatment for at least 3 months, Dr. Hoerger says.
“Cancer treatments can suppress people's immune systems and their diminished vaccine antibody response makes them more vulnerable with a greater chance of hospitalization and even death,” Dr. Hoerger says. “They are also more likely to develop long COVID with long term and often debilitating symptoms.”
Dr. Hoerger is leading a pilot project, “COVI-CAN”, to gather valuable data on the feasibility and acceptability of this kit which promotes preventive measures to avoid COVID. The pilot study is funded in part by the American Cancer Society and Tulane University’s Lavin Bernick program.
The free kit includes:
- An educational booklet with updated COVID related information for patients and families dealing with cancer
- Fifty high quality masks, N95 or similar grade for the patient and family members, based on prior needs and experience as well as what would be helpful. Recipients are surveyed about their knowledge of proper mask usage and fitting
- Five COVID rapid tests to detect infection among family members and themselves
- Two Air purifiers to ensure clean air for patient, especially if transmission happens at home
Recipients must first complete a survey before receiving the kit and they are surveyed during the program. “We're basically trying to find out what do people like about this? What do they use? What didn't they find helpful? What didn't they use?”
Cancer patients can obtain a kit by visiting covican.com. |
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Metastatic Breast Cancer Researcher
Tiffany Seagroves Joins Tulane Cancer Center
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Dr. Seagroves comes to Tulane from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), where she rose through the academic ranks from Assistant Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (2005-2012), to Associate Professor with tenure (2012-2019), to Professor with tenure (2019 – 2024).
She also was Associate Vice Chancellor for Research (VCR) there (2015-2024) and served as a member of the VCR Research Cabinet advisory committee for several years (2016-2023). Additionally, she oversaw UTHSC’s Molecular Resource Center, a genomics institutional core facility, while serving as its Executive Director (2014-2024).
Over her 19 years at UTHSC, Dr. Seagroves established an internationally recognized research program in metastatic breast cancer, focusing, among other things, on how cellular response to changes in environmental oxygen concentration promotes tumor progression, metastasis and treatment resistance. Her more recent collaborations with Dr. Wei Li, medicinal chemist in the College of Pharmacy at UTHSC, involved screening the safety and efficacy of a variety of novel tubulin inhibitors – drugs that disrupt microtubules, the structures that pull the chromosomes apart when a cell divides.
In conjunction with Tulane University School of Medicine’s partnership in the Louisiana Cancer Research Center (LCRC), Dr. Seagroves will be assuming the role of co-lead of the LCRC’s Cancer Biology Research Program, serving along with colleagues from LSU and Xavier University. Dr. Seagroves succeeds Hua Lu, MB, PhD, Chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Reynolds and Ryan Families Chair in Translational Cancer Research at Tulane, in this LCRC leadership position. Dr. Lu’s guidance, vision and service as co-lead were pivotal to the program’s progress and are greatly appreciated.
"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Seagroves to our team,” said Tulane Cancer Center Director Stefan Grant, MD, JD, MBA. “Her groundbreaking work in metastatic breast cancer research has not only advanced our understanding of this complex disease but also paves the way for new, life-saving treatments. Dr. Seagroves brings a wealth of knowledge, innovative thinking, and a passion for patient-centered research that aligns perfectly with our institution's mission. We are confident that she will not only elevate our research capabilities but also foster collaborations that will drive significant advancements in cancer care.”
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Sarah Bigelow New Executive Director of the Clinical Trials Office |
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Sarah Bigelow, CCRP, has joined the Tulane Cancer Center as Executive Director of the Clinical Trials Office (CTO). Sarah brings an extensive background and a proven record of leadership in oncology clinical research to this pivotal role.
In her new position, Sarah will provide senior leadership and strategic direction for the development and growth of the Tulane Cancer Center CTO. Her responsibilities include overseeing the full lifecycle of oncology clinical research protocols, from feasibility to budget and contract management to subject enrollment and trial closeout activities. Sarah also will establish continuous improvement initiatives that will enhance clinical trial activation, study accessibility, billing compliance, data quality, and participant safety at the Tulane Cancer Center. The recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of staff, as well as compliance with Institutional Review Board standards, HIPAA, ICH Good Clinical Practice guidelines, FDA regulations, and other regulatory requirements also will be under her purview.
Sarah joins Tulane from the NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center at Wayne State University, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, located in Detroit, Michigan. Over a ten-year tenure at Karmanos, Sarah held various leadership positions, most recently, as Vice President of the Clinical Trials Office. Her responsibilities included the oversight and coordination of over 150 clinical research professionals and supervision of protocol compliance, regulatory and data management, budget management, research nurse operations, personnel, and faculty training and education. Additionally, she oversaw the administrative and financial operations of a statewide clinical research oncology program.
"We are excited to have Sarah on board," said Tulane Cancer Center Director Stefan Grant, MD, JD, MBA. "Her experience and proven leadership in cancer clinical research make her uniquely qualified to lead our Clinical Trials Office. We are confident that her vision and expertise will significantly enhance our clinical trials program, helping us streamline operations, expand our clinical research capabilities, and provide more treatment options to our patients. We look forward to seeing all that she and her team will accomplish.”
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Three Tulane Cancer Center Researchers Receive Ladies Leukemia League Grants |
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Founded in 1969, LLL is a volunteer organization of 225 women dedicated to raising funds for leukemia and lymphoma research in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Since their founding, they have raised over $4.7 million, which they have distributed as "seed" money to research scientists working in leukemia and lymphoma research or related fields.
The LLL issues a call for grant applications each fall and then utilizes a panel of medical advisors to evaluate proposals and make recommendations for funding. They cap awards at $35,000 per investigator in order to provide support for as many worthy projects as possible.
Drs. Deng, Lin and Saba were recognized and awarded with the first half of their grants at the organization's recent grant recipient luncheon. The balance of their awards will be distributed at the halfway point in the grant period, during the organization's annual Fête de Noël fundraiser, scheduled for Monday, December 2, 2024.
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Wu-Min Deng, PhD
Targeting NKCC Dysregulation: A Therapeutic Approach for Ascites Management in Leukemia Patients
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Zhen Lin, MD, PhD
Investigating Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Infection and Associated Lymphoma Using a Novel Primate-Like Small Animal Model
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Nakhle Saba, MD
Targeting MALT1 in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia In Vivo Using the TCL1 Murine Model
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Cancer Crusaders to Honor 11 Local Cancer Survivors at 23rd Annual Celebration of Life Luncheon |
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Cancer Crusaders
23rd Annual Celebration of Life Luncheon
Friday, October 11, 2024
New Orleans Marriott - Grand Ballroom
555 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Doors Open 10:00 AM - Program Begins 11:30 AM
Get Your Tickets NOW for the Cancer Crusaders' 23rd Annual Celebration of Life Luncheon!
Join us as we celebrate 11 incredible local cancer survivors (listed above) who’ve turned their journeys into a force for good by giving back to our community. These amazing honorees are the heart of this event.
The Survivor Luncheon is THE fundraising event of the year for Cancer Crusaders, an organization that’s been leading the fight against cancer since 1976, raising over $5 million for research at Tulane Cancer Center and LSU Health Sciences Center!
What’s in store? A bubbly champagne reception, a scrumptious luncheon, a parade of prizes, raffles, a silent auction, and the chance to cheer on our survivor honorees—all topped off with entertainment by the fabulous Bionic Babes.
Get ready to bid on some fantastic auction items! You can check them out and place your bids online from your computer, smartphone, or tablet before and during the event. Don’t have a device handy? No worries—our friendly iPad-toting attendants will help you out during the luncheon. Plus, you can pre-purchase your parade of prizes and raffle tickets for easy pick-up at the venue.
The Cancer Crusaders have arranged for valet parking for Luncheon attendees at the Marriott & Sheraton New Orleans for just $20. Just mention you’re with Cancer Crusaders when you arrive! Parking is first-come, first-served, but you can also park at Canal Place Premium Parking (201 Canal Street) or Solaris’s Parking Garage (721 Iberville Street). Carpooling, Uber, and Lyft are always great options too!
Ready to join the fun? Click here to grab your tickets! Can’t make it but still want to make a difference? You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
Featured Raffle Items Include:
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This stunning 18k white gold bracelet is adorned with 1.10 cttw pave diamonds, generously donated by Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry.
Retail Value: $4,995.00
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The Purse That Keeps on Giving!
This beautiful silver Brahmin purse with matching wallet is stuffed with $500 cash and $1,400 worth of gift cards to local retailers and restaurants.
Estimated Value: $2,400
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Raffle tickets for these items are $20 each or six for $100 and can be purchased at the event or in advance here. Good luck!
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Pretty in Pink - Dance, Dazzle and Donate for a Cure at the Krewe de Pink Prom |
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Krewe de Pink's fun-filled event inspired by proms of decades gone by helps support breast cancer research at Tulane Cancer Center. So, grab your dancing shoes and join us as we party the night away to the music of Crescent City Soul. You might even be crowned Pink Prom 2024 King or Queen!
Krewe de Pink Prom
Saturday, September 28, 2024
6:00 - 10:00 pm
Generations Hall
310 Andrew Higgins Dr., New Orleans 70130
Attire
This year's theme is "Pretty in Pink," a nod to the 1986 teen romantic comedy-drama about love and social cliques in American high schools. Wear your favorite 80s-inspired prom fashions or break out your other vintage numbers. And don't forget the pink accessories! Get inspired by prom scenes from Grease, Footloose, Napoleon Dynamite or Sex and the City. Feel free to get creative and get ready to strike a pose in your prom pics, all for a great cause.
Open Bar & Delicious Hors d'Oeuvres
Enjoy an open bar, including plenty of non-alcoholic choices, as well as a variety of savory and sweet bites.
Raffles / Silent Auction
Guests can take their chances to win a number of unique raffle prizes, including several “back by popular demand” items, as well as bid in the Pink Prom silent auction. All proceeds benefit the cause.
Can’t attend this year? No problem, you can still bid on auction items online.
Tickets
Tickets cost $125 per person and include open bar and food.
For more information or to purchase your tickets, please click here.
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Summer Soirées Support
Tulane Cancer Center Research
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These events were more than fabulous summer celebrations. They also helped to raise incredibly important funds to support Tulane Cancer Center's cancer research programs.
Whether you partied with us, volunteered, donated, or helped spread the word, your support is truly making a difference. We're one step closer to finding cures, thanks to all of you.
Check out some of the fun moments from these unforgettable events!
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Krewe de Pink's Death by Chocolate...NOT Breast Cancer - July 13
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Cancer Crusaders Seersucker & Sass Summer Gala - July 20
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or visit
To make a tax-deductible donation to Tulane Cancer Center
(Federal Tax ID# 72-0423889) please click here.
Thank you for your generosity and support!
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