Cancer Metabolism Research Program
Our Mission is to discover how weight management, diabetes control, optimal nutrition, and physical activity prevent the development and progression of cancer.
Our vision is to live in a world where no one develops or dies from a cancer that is caused by obesity, diabetes, poor nutrition, or physical inactivity. Help us to shape the future of research.
It Starts with You: Join a Cancer Research Study
Though only 5 percent of adults with cancer participate in studies, their contributions affect 100% of the cancer or cancer-prone population.
The Cancer Metabolism Team prides itself in designing studies and conducting research that streamlines each participant’s experience.
Join the 5 percent who are contributing to improvements in cancer care and participate in a cancer research study today.
Types of Cancer Studies
Living with Cancer
Research Studies Process
Current Cancer Research Studies |
|
|---|---|
| ACTION | Seeking adults recently diagnosed with colon cancer |
| MASCOT | Seeking adults planning to have bariatric or metabolic surgery |
| IMPACT | Seeking adult females, newly diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer |
| METRIC | Seeking adults diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer |
| RESTORE | Seeking adults diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer |
| Small Steps | Seeking adults with a previous diagnosis of cancer |
| TRACE 1 | Seeking adults with non-small cell lung cancer or certain GI cancers |
The Benefits of Cancer Studies
Those living with cancer are not alone, and many patients are volunteering to drive the science of care forward. Without volunteers who take part in studies, modern treatments would not exist. People participate in research studies for many reasons.
You can help:
- Others and contribute to research that may help others like you.
- Yourself and receive access to treatments that may improve your health.
- Science and enable scientists to discover the treatments of tomorrow.
Difference Makers
The Cancer Metabolism Program at Pennington Biomedical Research Center was created in 2019 and is led by Dr. Justin C. Brown.
Justin earned his doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania and completed a fellowship at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute & Harvard Medical School. At age 14, he lost his father to colon cancer, which was the moment his future career path became instantly clear.
“My father left too early, but at the end of the day, he is the motivation behind my work. Working with study participants is the exciting part for me. It's when I take the science and put it into action. Here at Pennington Biomedical, I can do research that few others in the world can do.”
Researchers in the Cancer Metabolism Program discover how weight management, diabetes control, optimal nutrition, and physical activity prevent the development and progression of cancer. With the contributions of trial participants, solutions in cancer care are being developed today.
Tamara is the Program Manager of the Cancer Metabolism Program, as the program manager, she oversees and ensures compliance with all regulatory aspects of our research projects. She closely collaborates with internal and external stakeholders and acts as the primary contact for trial communications within the team. Providing guidance and support, she facilitates smooth project execution, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of all project facets.
Tamara is married, has 4 beautiful kids and an adorable bunny. She enjoys cooking for her family and friends. Her newest hobby is making sourdough bread. Fun fact: Tamara is a licensed cosmetologist and has been doing hair for over 20 years.
- Dietetic Internship, Southern University A&M College - 2014
- Bachelors of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, Nicholls State University 2013
- Joined PBRC and Cancer Metabolism Program - 2019
Stephanie is the Principal Investigator for two ongoing studies (METRIC and CGM-ACTION) and is completing her training to become an independent researcher. Her goal is to conduct research that improves how cancer survivors thrive and survive during and after treatment through lifestyle interventions that help inform the standard of care patients receive.
Stephanie has many hobbies, such as reading, gardening, hiking, lifting, and running (including recently completing an ultramarathon). She is also passionate about bridging the gap between science and real life to educate about nutrition and cancer through science communication. Stephanie and her husband have two pets, Quincy and Moose, and enjoy trying new foods around Louisiana.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise (Molecular and Cellular Science), Virginia Tech - 2022
- Dietetic Internship, Virginia Tech - 2022
- Masters of Science in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise (Behavioral Science), Virginia Tech - 2018
- Bachelors of Science in Biology, Emory & Henry University - 2016
- Joined PBRC and Cancer Metabolism Program - 2022
Phillip lost 2 of his aunts to breast cancer and diabetes at a young age. As the Patient Advocacy Manager, he works to bring awareness of the Cancer Metabolism Program's research studies to as many LA cancer survivors as possible.
Phillip and his wife have 2 black labs, Remi and Remus, and are expecting the birth of their first child in July 2024. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors, woodworking, and cheering on the LSU Tigers!
- Masters of Business Administration, Louisiana State University Shreveport - 2020
- Bachelors of Science, Louisiana State University - 2017
- Joined PBRC - 2013 and Cancer Metabolism Program - 2024
