Cancer Team Makes the Case for Sustained Cancer Research Funding
A multidisciplinary team representing the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center traveled to
Washington, D.C., earlier this year to meet with federal lawmakers and advocate for
stable, long-term investments in cancer research. The delegation included Dr. Lucio
Miele, director of the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center; Dr. Amelia Jernigan, medical
director of cancer services at University Medical Center, interim cancer service line
director for LCMC Health, and associate professor and division director of gynecologic
oncology; Brian Melancon, director of tracking and evaluation at Pennington Biomedical
Research Center; and Lee Sabatini, director of external affairs for the LSU LCMC Health
Cancer Center.
The team presented both the scientific and economic rationale for continued federal support to members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation. Dr. Miele noted that while U.S. cancer mortality has declined by 34 percent from 1991 to 2022, a testament to decades of research, overall incidence rates remain steady, and in some populations, they are rising. For instance, cancer rates among women are increasing at a rate of 0.3 percent per year, and several cancer types are being diagnosed more frequently in younger individuals. These trends point to the continued need for advances in prevention, early detection, and novel therapies.
“As physicians and scientists, we know this is no time to lose momentum,” said Dr.
Miele. “Millions of lives, and the future of cancer care, depend on it.”
The team also underscored the broader role of cancer research as an engine of economic
growth, workforce development, and regional health equity. In 2023 alone, Louisiana
received $226 million in NIH funding, supporting more than 3,400 jobs and generating
$600 million in economic activity, a return of $2.46 for every dollar invested. At
LSU, research activities contributed $1.3 billion to the state economy in 2024, with
$488 million in research expenditures.
Achieving NCI Designation for the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center would mark a transformative
milestone for Louisiana by expanding access to clinical trials, increasing federal
investment, and helping to recruit and retain top-tier clinician-scientists, all while
advancing the state’s capacity to deliver cutting-edge cancer care to diverse and
underserved communities.
“In an era of tightening budgets and competing priorities, stable and predictable federal funding from the NIH, NCI, and CDC remains critical -- not only to improve cancer survival and quality of life, but also to fuel innovation, equity, and economic vitality across Louisiana and beyond,” said Dr. Miele.