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Ochsner Cancer Institute

Contact Information

1514 Jefferson Highway New Orleans, LA 70121
(504) 842-3910

Ochsner Cancer Institute has been ranked by HealthGrades, an independent health care ratings provider, among the top 5 percent of hospitals in the nation. The Ochsner Cancer Institute also received the HealthGrades Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence Award in 2008. The award indicated that the hospital had a 29 percent lower mortality rate than other hospitals, on average. Additionally, the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer recognized this New Orleans-based cancer center for being an exceptional treatment center.

U.S. News and World Report named the Ochsner Cancer Institute one of the best hospitals for three consecutive years, from 2005 to 2007. Good Housekeeping magazine also ranked it among the most exceptional cancer treatment centers in the nation. Perhaps most importantly, Oschner has been voted by New Orleans residents as “Consumer's Choice” among area hospitals for 13 years in a row.

The Ochsner Cancer Institute, which admits or treats 2,000 new cancer patients with varying diagnoses each year, has long prided itself with being at the forefront of cancer research. In 1939, Dr. Alton Ochsner discovered that smoking may lead to lung cancer; the Ochsner Institute was established in 1942. The center, as it exists today, has been in existence since 1981. Because of its founding father, the Ochsner Cancer Institute strives to exhibit leadership in cancer research and treatments, including rare cancer diseases, such as mesothelioma. This disease is caused by occupational asbestos exposure, and is difficult to treat because of the latency period associated with the disease. Oncologists both here and around the world work to find novel treatments to improve a patient’s prognosis.

Currently over 600 physicians are on staff. Another 7400 staff members support the oncologists. Each member participates in professional groups, publishes research findings and articles in professional journals, and conducts research such as clinical trials. The physicians at Ochsner conduct well above 700 clinical trials each year. Some of these trials include:

Studies of pomegranate extract as an angiogenesis inhibitor
Studies of the use of dogwood berry extract to inhibit angiogenesis and destroy angiogenic vessels
Studies of persimmon fruit calyx extract used as an angiogenesis inhibitor and angiogenic vessel destroyer.

Scientists have found that attempts to starve the tumor of its blood supply will cause the cancer cells to destruct. These studies use natural remedies in order to combat cancer in the human body. Patients desiring to enter a clinical trial may do so on a voluntary basis. Participants must ensure that their private insurance will cover the costs of routine care during a clinical trial. Many will not cover treatments that are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

The Ochsner Cancer Institute has the most extensive clinical trial network in Louisiana and Mississippi. To bring the patients the best treatment possible, the Ochsner Cancer Center has partnered with Ochsner Clinic of Baton Rouge, Hattiesburg Clinic, Jackson Oncology, and Terrebonne General Hospital.

The Ochsner Center possesses the lastest technology in terms of cancer treatments. Currently, there are six patents pending for cancer therapy drugs. The patents address use of somatostatin and angiogenesis in the battle against cancerous diseases.

In order to provide patients with the best care possible, the Ochsner Cancer Center has formed alliances with the following centers:

Community Clinical Oncology Program
Association of Community Cancer Centers
Radiation Therapy Oncology Group
North Center Cancer Treatment Group
Children's Oncology Group
Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project

The Ochsner Cancer Center’s mission is to provide quality care, serve and educate patients, and produce novel technologies.