Cancer Control Month Publication Review
Every April, Cancer Control Month honors cancer survivors and those currently fighting cancer. This month of recognition focuses on cancer prevention and treatment as well as quality of life for those diagnosed with cancer and cancer survivors.
Cancer Prevention and Control is a major area of research in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Below is a round-up of recent publications by our faculty, staff, and students on topics related to cancer control.
Leveraging artificial intelligence-mediated communication for cancer prevention and control and drug addiction: A systematic review
SBS Researchers: Sunny Jung Kim, Ph.D., Vanessa B Sheppard, Ph.D.
Journal: Translational Behavioral Medicine
Publication date: March 1, 2025
Researchers are examining how artificial intelligence can enhance public health. A group of researchers performed a systematic review of recent studies that assessed the impact of AI-powered interactive technologies in cancer prevention and control, as well as substance use. Their findings showed that AI-mediated communications have promise in enhancing health behaviors, but the researchers outlined the need for further exploration regarding privacy risks, biases, safety concerns, chatbot features and helping individuals from all communities.
Examining factors associated with experiencing cardiac arrhythmias in Black and White breast cancer survivors who received anthracyclines or trastuzumab
SBS Researchers: Arnethea Sutton, Ph.D., Vanessa B. Sheppard, Ph.D., Katherine Y. Tossas, Ph.D.
Journal: Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
Publication date: March 27, 2025
Racial disparities exist regarding cardiovascular toxicities following breast cancer treatment; however, studies on racial differences in cardiac arrhythmias after treatment are lacking. This study examined associations between demographic and clinical factors and arrhythmia diagnosis among Black and white breast cancer survivors. The study found that survivors with chronic conditions like hypertension and obesity may require enhanced cardiac surveillance. Further investigation into hypertension management in Black breast cancer survivors may shed light on its impact on cardiovascular toxicities in this population.
Major adverse cardiovascular events among Black and White Veterans receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer: a retrospective cohort study
SBS Researchers: Alexander Lucas, Ph.D., Vanessa B. Sheppard, Ph.D.
Journal: Cardio-Oncology
Publication date: February 6, 2025
Androgen deprivation therapy is the primary treatment option for men diagnosed with high-risk prostate cancer; however, this therapy often leads to major adverse heart conditions. A new study found that prostate cancer patients within the VA health care system with cardiometabolic disease at the time of diagnosis are at a significant risk for a major heart complication following their treatment, highlighting the importance of screening prostate cancer patients for cardiovascular risk at the time of diagnosis.
Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a physical activity intervention in adults with lymphoma undergoing treatment
SBS Researchers: Alexander Lucas, Ph.D.
Journal: Pilot and Feasibility Studies
Publication date: January 14, 2025
Anthrocycline-based chemotherapy, a common treatment option for lymphoma, is often associated with heart failure, physical decline and reduced quality of life in many patients. Physical activity has emerged as a noninvasive approach to effectively reduce these treatment-related side effects. Findings from a pilot study suggested that a six-month tailored physical activity intervention is feasible and could be beneficial for improving exercise capacity and health-related quality of life in lymphoma patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Understanding the Role of Patient-Reported Outcomes for Decision-Making in Early-Phase Dose-Finding Clinical Trials
SBS Researchers: Richard Brown, Ph.D., Arnethea Sutton, Ph.D.
Journal: Current Oncology
Publication date: March 19, 2025
Integrating patient-reported outcomes into early-phase dose-finding trials is pivotal for advancing patient-centered oncology research. New study findings suggest that future research efforts should prioritize the development and implementation of statistical methods and innovative frameworks to address the complexities of incorporating patient-reported outcomes into dose-finding studies, thereby improving the development of cancer therapies. These advancements hold significant promise for achieving more informed and patient-focused outcomes in early-phase clinical trials.
FearLess in Neuro-Oncology: Phase I Trial Targeting Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Patients with Primary Malignant Glioma and their Caregivers
SBS Researchers: Autumn Lanoye, Ph.D.
Journal: Neuro-Oncology Practice
Publication date: April 12, 2025
Individuals with glioma experience high fear of cancer recurrence or progression (FCR), yet existing interventional studies for FCR exclude glioma patients. This study utilized consultation with international FCR experts and two advisory boards toward the development of an intervention targeting FCR in neuro-oncology.
To see a list of currently funded cancer prevention and control research in the department, visit our website here.
Categories Faculty News, Staff News, Student News