Louisiana:
Cancer Research
The Louisiana Cancer Endowment (LCE), a CAGLA Affiliate, is proud to announce the launch of the Precision Oncology Pipeline Podcast —a dynamic series exploring the people, ideas, discoveries, and investments shaping the future of cancer care. Hosted by Chad Landry, Chair of LCE and President of CAGLA, and Dr. Marc Matrana, LCE Executive Director and CAGLA Chief Scientific Officer, the podcast features conversations with some of the most influential business leaders, scientific minds, nonprofit visionaries, and innovators in oncology from around the world.
From groundbreaking scientific discoveries and emerging therapies to the business strategies and investments driving the global oncology landscape, Precision Oncology Pipeline offers an inside look at what is happening at the forefront of cancer. Listeners gain unique perspectives on breakthroughs that are transforming patient care, innovations influencing financial markets, and leadership working to change the future of cancer worldwide.
Our Mission and Vision
The Louisiana Cancer Endowment drives targeted investments in research, education, and early detection to combat our state’s critical cancer challenges. We focus on high-risk communities, especially in “Cancer Alley” where cancer rates far exceed national averages. Through strategic partnerships with leading medical institutions, researchers, and community organizations, we’re building a comprehensive support system that reaches across Louisiana, from our largest cities to our smallest parishes.
Our mission combines innovative research funding with grassroots education programs to ensure all residents have access to quality cancer prevention, detection, and treatment resources. By fostering collaboration between world-class research initiatives and community-based programs, we’re transforming Louisiana from a state with concerning cancer rates into a beacon of hope in cancer care and research.
The Louisiana Cancer Endowment is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation (founded 2024), affiliated with, but separate from, the Cancer Advocacy Group of Louisiana (CAGLA).
A New Hope
for Louisiana’s
Cancer Future
Statement of Need
In 2019, Louisiana faced a devastating cancer crisis, recording the third-highest age-adjusted cancer incidence rate in the nation and the fifth-highest cancer mortality rate. This crisis is particularly acute in the industrial corridor between Baton Rouge and New Orleans along the Mississippi River, commonly known as “Cancer Alley.” In this 85-mile stretch, which encompasses numerous small communities and several parishes, residents face a staggering 95% greater chance of developing cancer compared to the average American. The severity of this health crisis is underscored by environmental factors, demographic disparities, and limited access to preventive care and early detection services.
These statistics aren’t just numbers — they represent families, communities, and generations of Louisianians who have been impacted by cancer’s devastating toll.
The disparities in cancer outcomes between Cancer Alley and the rest of the country highlight an urgent need for targeted intervention, increased research, and sustained investment in cancer prevention and treatment resources.
A New Day Dawns: LCE
The Louisiana Cancer Endowment (LCE) is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving cancer outcomes, advancing groundbreaking research, and expanding access to high-quality care across Louisiana. Founded in 2024 by cancer physicians, cancer survivors, and philanthropists, LCE operates as an independent affiliate of the Cancer Advocacy Group of Louisiana (CAGLA). Driven by a shared commitment to addressing the state’s critical health challenges, LCE brings together clinical expertise, community leadership, and strategic industry partnerships to create lasting impact for patients and families statewide.
Louisiana faces one of the most severe cancer burdens in the United States. To combat these stark realities, LCE was established as a permanent resource to fund innovative pilot programs, support investigator-initiated research and trials, provide training awards for fellows, and strengthen cancer education.Through collaborative initiatives focused on high-priority areas—such as prostate and bladder cancer care—and partnerships with leading biopharmaceutical organizations like Pfizer and AstraZeneca, LCE translates real-world data into practical clinical improvements. By developing state-specific research infrastructure and addressing disparities and practice variations across Louisiana, LCE works tirelessly toward a future where every Louisianan has access to life-saving care and innovation.
LCE Leadership
Marc Matrana, M.D., M.Sc., FACP
LCE Executive Director
Chadwick Landry
LCE Chair
Al Copeland, Jr.
LCE Director
Scientific Review Committee
Dr. Nelly Aoun
Ochsner
Dr. Tara Castellano
LSU Health Sciences
Dr. Ralph Corsetti
Tulane Medical Center
Dr. Jimmy Ellis
LCMC Health
Dr. Corey Falcon
Ochsner • MD Anderson Cancer Center
Dr. Amelia Jernigan
LSU Health Sciences
Dr. Daniel Johnson
Ochsner
Dr. Mary Maluccio
LSU Health Sciences
Dr. Marc Matrana
Ochsner, LCE Executive Director
Dr. Shawn McKinney
University Hospital (New Orleans)
Dr. John Mizrahi
Ochsner
Dr. Paul Monsour
LCMC Health
Dr. Matthew Mutter
LSU Health New Orleans
Dr. Sidd Padmanabha
East Jefferson General Hospital
Dr. Patrick Stagg
Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute
Dr. Jacquelyn Turner
Ochsner, LCE Executive Director
Dr. Tong Yang
Ochsner
Partnership Opportunity
The Louisiana Cancer Endowment is seeking a small number of Founding Partners who will commit to our mission and vision prior to a broad public launch at the 2025 CAGLA NeauxCancer Conference in March. Founding Partners will pledge to a multi-year alignment with the Endowment providing not only financial support, but also direction and collaboration, as members of the Endowment’s Executive Steering Committee.