Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

The protein transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) can act as either a tumor suppressor or a tumor promoter depending on the stage of cancer. Loss of TGF-β’s tumor suppressor activity may play an important role in lung cancer progression. Pran Datta, Ph.D., and colleagues previously showed that this loss of responsiveness to TGF-β occurs mainly [...]

As part of the Vanderbilt Cancer Wellness Program, Zachary Klint, Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Coordinator, explains why pulmonary rehabilitation is helpful for those going through lung cancer treatments as well as heart conditions. The program teaches you about your lungs, how to exercise and do activities without becoming short of breath. Learn more about pulmonary [...]

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., [...]

For decades, cancers have been treated based on how they look under a microscope. Now, researchers know that specific abnormalities in the DNA of tumor cells can make each person’s cancer respond differently to treatment — knowledge that offers an exciting new avenue for tailored therapy. Personalizing cancer treatment for an individual patient based on [...]

The gold standard for definitive diagnosis of a lung nodule is surgical removal (resection). However, between 10 percent and 30 percent of suspicious nodules are benign. Because thoracic operations are highly invasive and pose significant risks, these operations have been labeled “unnecessary” or “futile.” Eric Grogan, M.D., M.P.H., and colleagues report that, even when surgical [...]

Cancer patients who are undergoing treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy expect to experience side effects like nausea, fatigue and possible hair loss. But they may not realize that those treatments can cause additional side effects like dry skin, rashes and complexion changes. To help patients cope with these hair and skin issues, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer [...]

Dr. William Pao, director of hematology and oncology at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, explains what personalized cancer medicine means for the future of lung cancer treatment.  

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 [...]