Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

Jadranko “Yadi” Franjic describes lymphedema symptoms and what is done during therapy to help control the swelling in the lymphatic system. Lymphedema is most common among patients who experience trauma to their lymphatic system. Examples include cancer patients undergoing lymphatic node dissection or radiation therapy and those who suffer a traumatic injury. Swelling of the [...]

Many times those going through cancer treatment and even those who have finished have questions about eating a healthy diet. Melissa Brown, a nutrition coach at the Vanderbilt Center for Integrative Health, describes different foods that have cancer-fighting agents in them as well as easy meal techniques. If you are interested in learning more about [...]

The RENEW: Gentle Movement Classes is part of the Vanderbilt Cancer Wellness Program and are for adults going through cancer treatment as well as those who have finished. Karen Dyer-Klein, an exercise specialist at the Vanderbilt Dayani Center, describes the types of workouts available, which include Ai Chi (aquatic exercise) on Mondays at 3:15 p.m., [...]

Identifying the molecular pathways that lead normal colon cells to become cancer cell could provide much needed biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Previously, Punita Dhawan, Ph.D., and colleagues showed that claudin-1 – a protein member of “tight junctions” that help bind cells together into an organized tissue structure – was greatly increased and mislocalized in colorectal [...]

Are you currently going through lung cancer or pancreatic cancer treatment or have completed therapy? Jay Groves, administrative director at Vanderbilt Dayani Center, describes the new Vanderbilt Cancer Wellness Program. This program promotes the health and wellbeing of those touched by cancer through interactive, individualized and comprehensive services that complement your standard of care. Learn [...]

Have you ever tried to quit smoking and been unsuccessful? As a former smoker, Barbara Forbes, a clinical nurse specialist and nurse practitioner, knows what you’re going through. She directs the Dayani Institute for Smoking Cessation and Prevention at Vanderbilt, and she can help you kick the habit for good. Learn more about the Smoking [...]

Barbara Forbes, MSN, keeps a big jar of tar on her desk. The dark, goopy mess is a visual representation of the amount of tar that a smoker will ingest by smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for a year. Forbes is the director of the Smoking Cessation Institute at the Vanderbilt Dayani Center [...]

The bacterium Helicobacter pylori colonizes the stomachs of about half of the world’s population and increases the risk of gastric cancer. Individuals infected with H. pylori strains that have the cag pathogenicity island (cag PAI) – a group of genes that encodes the bacterial toxin CagA and a secretion system to inject it into gastric [...]

Leaders of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Maury Regional Medical Center, Northcrest Medical Center and Williamson Medical Center today announced affiliation agreements establishing a partnership between these medical centers to work collaboratively to create new jointly operated programs and services in the counties where these hospitals reside. These programs are intended to expand primary and specialty [...]

A protein critical in heart development may also play a part in colon cancer progression. Research led by investigators from Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and the Vanderbilt Eye Institute suggests that the protein BVES (blood vessel endocardial substance) – which also is key in regulating corneal cells – may be a therapeutic target for halting colon [...]