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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]