LSU Health New Orleans Established Radiation Oncology Department
The new academic department aims to expand regional cancer care and research capabilities in New Orleans.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Cancer
Live Poll
Does expanding academic cancer research departments improve quality of care in your local area?
LSU Health New Orleans has officially established a new Department of Radiation Oncology following approval from the LSU Board of Supervisors and the Louisiana Board of Regents. Dr. Puneeth Iyengar has been appointed to lead the department, which integrates clinical care, research, and education.
Why it matters
The new department is a key component of the ongoing effort to secure National Cancer Institute designation for the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center. It serves as a central hub for coordinating a statewide digital early-phase clinical trial network.
Medical records indicate that more than 50% of cancer patients receive radiation therapy as part of their treatment plan. The new department is tasked with developing a statewide digital network for early-phase clinical trials.
The players
Puneeth Iyengar
He is the new department chair and associate director for intercampus research at the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center who previously worked at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
LSU Health New Orleans
It is an academic health sciences center that established the new department to support its clinical, research, and educational missions.
University Medical Center New Orleans
It serves as the primary location where patients will receive radiation therapy services under the new department.
LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center
It is an oncology organization seeking National Cancer Institute designation through expanded research and clinical integration.
The details
The department will combine patient treatment, research, and education, with Dr. Iyengar also serving as associate director for intercampus research at the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center. Dr. Iyengar intends to launch a research group focused on investigating how metabolic health and nutrition influence cancer treatment outcomes.
Timeline
The new Department of Radiation Oncology was announced on October 7, 2026.
The Big Picture
The formation of this department represents a strategic institutional expansion designed to meet the requirements for achieving National Cancer Institute designation.
Patients in the region will gain access to specialized radiation oncology services and emerging clinical trials at University Medical Center New Orleans. The initiative also aims to personalize care by integrating metabolic health research into standard treatment protocols.
The takeaway
This development underscores the shift toward centralized, research-driven oncology care within academic health centers. Residents should consult with their healthcare providers to see how new clinical trial opportunities may align with their personal treatment plans.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Cancer care across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New Orleans CityBusiness.
Live Poll
Does expanding academic cancer research departments improve quality of care in your local area?
