American Cancer Society

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY AND LEVINE CANCER INSTITUTE: PARTNERS FOR A CANCER-FREE FUTURE

Backed by more than $1.2 million in grant funding from the American Cancer Society (ACS), Levine Cancer Institute is helping to lead the fight for a world without cancer, starting within the Greater Charlotte region. A benefactor of ACS grant programs since 1997, Atrium Health remains at the forefront of clinical discoveries and improvements in health equity in cancer care. Due to the success of the two organizations' collaborations to improve cancer detection, treatment, and access to care, Atrium Health was named the American Cancer Society’s “Health System of the Year” for 2021.

Several grants recently awarded by ACS to Levine Cancer Institute will help to advance new research studies and ensure even greater access to affordable, best-in-class cancer care. Research currently being led by Steven Park, MD, at Levine Cancer Institute, could be a game-changer in treating chemotherapy-resistant Double-Hit Lymphoma, an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Based in LCI’s Hematologic

Oncology Translational Research Laboratory, Dr. Park’s study was awarded a $240,000 Mission Boost Grant from ACS.

By identifying the most effective drugs to target two cellular signaling pathways recently discovered by Dr. Parks and his co-investigators, the study could lead to lifesaving, chemotherapy-sparing treatments for patients with this serious form of cancer.

“This project is a great example of moving important scientific discovery from bench to bedside to improve patient care,” commented Dr. Park.

Sharing ACS's commitment to reducing health disparities, Levine Cancer Institute has also been awarded several grants to address affordability of cancer care. Two $50,000 grants will allow LCI to provide direct financial assistance for patients and caregivers who live outside the Charlotte area and require lodging while they are undergoing treatment for stem cell transplant at LCI's flagship hospital. The lifesaving procedure requires patients to remain near Levine Cancer Institute for up to three months post-transplant, which can be cost-prohibitive for patients and caregivers during a vulnerable time of life.

An additional $15,000 grant from ACS will cover the cost of patients' gas and ridesharing apps to ensure they have timely access to treatments. “Having the opportunity to provide reliable, safe, and comfortable transportation to access treatment and pain management is one meaningful way we can help lessen that mental load – it’s one less thing our patients need to worry about,” says Laura Newton, a licensed clinical social worker with Levine Cancer Institute’s Department of Supportive Oncology.

Finally, with support from a $20,000 grant from ACS and the National Football League, several of Atrium Health's family medicine and primary care clinics in Midtown and South Charlotte will provide under-insured and uninsured safety-net patients with affordable and timely access to colon cancer screenings. The program aims to improve health literacy, health system navigation, and early detection of colon cancer, at little or no cost to qualifying patients. The support of ACS and the NFL for this essential outreach program comes at a critical time, as the pandemic continues to present patients with real and perceived barriers to cancer screenings and follow-up care.

“The collaborative partnership with the American Cancer Society and Levine Cancer Institute has allowed LCI to continue necessary screening, outreach, and research programs that ensure we are providing the best health outcomes for all patients, including those most vulnerable,” said Patrick Meadors, PhD, director of Psycho-Oncology at LCI’s Department of Supportive Oncology.

Steven I. Park, MD, division chief, Hematology and Oncology – Levine Cancer Institute

(L-R) Annalise Sansouci, Cancer Resource Center project manager – Levine Cancer Institute; Patrick Meadors, PhD, director, Section of Psycho-Oncology, Department of Supportive Oncology –Levine Cancer Institute; Carrie Klamut, former senior manager –American Cancer Society; Megan Nelson, director of Corporate Relations – American Cancer Society.