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01. History

History of Cancer Care at University of Louisville

The James Graham Brown Cancer Center opened its doors in 1981 after the generous $12 million gift was donated by the James Graham Brown Foundation and Louisville citizens who shared a mission to help suffering cancer patients. In 1987, the cancer center was donated to the University of Louisville. The James Graham Brown Cancer Center has continued to grow as a result of the support from the University of Louisville and various philanthropic foundations. In 2009, the University of Louisville opened a state-of-the-art Clinical and Translational Research Building. From 1999 to 2006, research grants for the James Graham Brown Cancer Center have increased from $1 million to $50 million.

The president of the University of Louisville, John Shumaker, has been committed to implementing a proactive cancer center in the state of Kentucky since 1999. With strong growth in its clinical and research programs, the cancer center has pursued a strategic plan focusing on drug discovery and development and provides services to several communities. The Kentucky Cancer Program is a state-funded cancer prevention education program that provides services in all parts of the state. The program, based out of the James Graham Brown Cancer Center and the University of Kentucky’s Markey Cancer Center, has become a national leader in providing cancer education.

The team at University of Louisville uses a variety of diagnostic testing, such as biopsies, to provide accurate diagnosis and a customized treatment plan. The center is home to the only fellowship-trained interventional pulmonologist in its region, who performs minimally invasive procedures alongside multiple specialists. They also provide critical, long-term care to patients whose conditions are chronic or recurring.

02. Mesothelioma Care

Mesothelioma Care at University of Louisville

The James Graham Brown Cancer Center also offers specialized treatments for mesothelioma. Along with treatment, they aim to improve quality of life for patients. Their experts are specialized in performing extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), which provides patients with the best chance of tumor removal. Other surgical procedures include pleurectomy or pleurectomy/decortication (P/D), which is a complex surgery that attempts to maintain the structure of the affected area while removing the tumor. The center also provides chemotherapy, radiation and targeted therapies as treatment options for mesothelioma.

University of Louisville Health Sciences Center offers clinical trials to individuals who are eligible for experimental treatment methods, and also provides resources, nurse navigators and support for patients who are battling cancer. Their M. Krista Loyd Resource Center provides further resources, including art therapy, chemotherapy education and educational programs for patients and caregivers.

03. Specializations

University of Louisville Specializations

  • Biopsy
  • Critical care medicine
  • Minimally invasive surgery
  • Navigational bronchoscopy
  • Pulmonary transplantation
04. Accreditations

University of Louisville Accreditations

  • American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology and the American College of Radiology (ACR-ASTRO) Radiation Oncology accreditation
  • NCQA accreditation