Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

The RENEW: Gentle Movement Classes are 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. Learn more about Personalized Cancer Medicine.  

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 [...]

Dr. David Carbone, Director of Specialized Program of Research Excellence in Lung Cancer at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, addresses the smoking stigma associated with lung cancer patients. He is quick to point out that many with lung cancer have never smoked and some did the right thing by quitting a long time ago. He notes that [...]

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 [...]

Dr. Pierre Massion, associate professor of medicine and cancer biology at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, explains why it is difficult to detect lung cancer at an early stage. He also describes the Nashville Lung Cancer Screening Trial and how he hopes the study will establish a better screening process. If you are interested in learning more [...]