Browsing by Subject "Oncology"
Now showing 1 - 20 of 45
- Results Per Page
- Sort Options
Item A Comparative Breast Cancer Study: Stage & Mortality in El Paso County's non-Hispanic white and Hispanic population(2003-05-01) Aravind, Raven; Hoverman, RusselAravind, Raven, A Comparative Breast Cancer Study: Stage & Mortality in El PasoCounty's non-Hispanic white and Hispanic population, 1990-2000. Master of Public Health (Epidemiology), May 2003, 17pp., 1 table, 3 figures, bibliography, 43 titles. This retrospective breast cancer study compares the stage of breast cancer diagnosis and mortality between Hispanic (HS) and non-Hispanic white women (NHW). The study includes 874 Hispanic women and 802 non-Hispanic white women diagnosed with breast cancer between January 1990 and December 2000 at the El Paso Cancer Treatment Center, El Paso Texas. The objectives of the study were: 1) to determine if this population of Hispanic women is being diagnosed at a later stage of breast cancer 2) to ascertain the relative survival of non-Hispanic white and Hispanic women 3) to verify if Hispanic women were being diagnosed at a younger age; and 4) to examine tumor size at diagnosis to determine if there is a need for more assertive screening measures in this population of women.Item A Six-Year Analysis of the Distribution of Time to Death Among Colorectal Cancer Patients in the State of Texas(2000-05-01) Williams, Vanessa P.; Rene, Antonio A.; Fairchild, Thomas J.; Blakley, SallyWilliams, Vanessa P., A Six-Year Analysis of the Distribution of Time to Death Among Colorectal Cancer Patients in the State of Texas. Master of Public Health (Epidemiology), May 2000, 55 pp., 11 tables, 9 figures, references, 52 titles. The cancer experience of Texans differs substantially by race/ethnicity. Among Caucasian, African American, and Hispanic men and women, colon cancer is either the second or third leading type of cancers among Texans. The distribution of time to death over a six-year period were assessed from a cohort of African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian men and women diagnosed with colon cancer in 1992. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a difference in the overall death time distribution and tumor histology among African Americans, Hispanics, and Caucasian men and women who were diagnosed with colon cancer in 1992 in the state of Texas. Analysis results indicated that Hispanic females (65.59%) and Caucasian males (65.52%) had higher survival times among the race/ethnic groups. African American males (53.85%) and females (56.40%) experienced lower survival time for the cohort. For overall distribution of time to death among deceased subjects, African American males and Hispanic females experienced the lowest distribution times among the subjects. The overall distribution of time to death for all histology types were the same for each type.Item A Sun Awareness Pilot Project(2002-05-01) Franklin, Gillian A.; Coggin, Claudia; Lykens, Kristine A.; Mains, Doug A.Franklin, Gillian A., A Sun Awareness Pilot Project. Masters of Public Health (Health Management and Policy), May 2002, 53 pp., 7 tables, bibliography, 48 titles. The most common cancer in the United States today is skin cancer; it is also the most preventable. At least 90% of all skin cancers is caused by sun exposure. Americans have a one in six lifetime risk of developing skin cancer and in Texas the rate is one in three. The purpose of this pilot project was to increase the level of sun protection knowledge and awareness in parents who brought their children in for a six-month immunization visit. The project was modeled after the Australian Cancer Council’s “Slip! Slop! Slap!” campaign. Data was collected from five pediatric clinics in this pretest/posttest design study. Multiple variables regarding demographics, skin type, knowledge, beliefs, sun-protective practices, and attitudes were included. Overall, parental sun protective knowledge and awareness increased. The information obtained from this pilot project may influence future public health decisions regarding education and prevention of skin cancers.Item An Open-Label Pilot Study Evaluating the Effects of Travoprost on Eyebrow Regrowth Among Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy for Cancer(2005-12-01) Habib, Nausheen; Jamboor Vishwanatha; Harold J. Sheedlo; Michael W. MartinHabib, Nausheen. Master of Science, Biomedical Sciences, December 2005, An Open-Label Pilot Study Evaluating the Effects of Travoprost on Eyebrow Regrowth Among Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy for Cancer. The primary objective of this study is to determine the effect of eyebrow hair growth of a twice daily application of travoprost among patients undergoing chemotherapy or those who have already completed chemotherapy. Travoprost, used clinically in the treatment of glaucoma, is topically and unilaterally applied to a total of 15 patients to induce eyebrow hair growth. This is an ongoing pilot study in which the screening, treatment and follow-up visits are scheduled on day 0, week 4, week 8, week 12, and week 14. After an eight week treatment period, 69% of the patients demonstrated increased eyebrow density. This increase in eyebrow hair is consistent with travoprost’s ability to prolong the anagen or growing phase of the hair cycle.Item Appropriate Delivery Of Care In American Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review(2013-05-01) Tan, Debra; Lykens, KristineObjective: To assess and provide in-depth analysis of appropriate delivery of care in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on time of diagnosis within Americans in the United States. Design: Meta-analysis of retrospective cohort studies describing receipt of appropriate treatment utilization and delivery of care for HCC. Results: Among all twenty-three included studies, a total of 7,986 of 17,286 (44.4%, 95% CI 43.7-45.1%) patients received overall treatment. Of 48,200 patients with HCC, only 10,518 (21.8%, 95% CI 21.5-22.2%) patients received curative treatment and 6,810 of 11,776 (57.8%, 95% CI 56.9-58.7%) patients who were within early stage HCC received curative treatment. Conclusion: HCC treatment is underutilized in the United States. Although the pooled treatment rate for early HCC patients receiving curative treatment is somewhat better, only about four-sevenths receive appropriate care. There are significant socio-demographic disparities with the lowest treatment rates in non-Caucasians and non-private insurance patients.Item Association of Leukemia and Other Selected Diseases with Occupational Exposure to Welding(2003-05-01) Mendoza, Hilda OraliaMENDOZA, HILDA ORALIA. ASSOCIATION OF LEUKEMIA AND OTHER SELECTED DISEASES WITH OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO WELDING. Master of Public Health (Epidemiology). May, 2003. Exposure to carcinogens is an established risk factor for cancer development. Welders are chronically exposed to cardinogens. In this study, the relationship between occupational exposure to welding and mortality from leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, melanoma, lung cancer, or myocardial infarcation was examined. Files from ORISEWDS, Comprehensive Epidemiologic Data Resource, U.S. Department of Energy were utilized to develop a working file including 416,686 records from employees of one or more Oak Ridge, nuclear plant facilities. Neither welding exposure length, radiation exposure, nor smoking were included in this study. Results show higher adjusted ratios (OR) for leukemia, lymphoma, and Hodgkin’s disease for employees occupationally exposed to welding as compared to employees on-occupationally exposed to welding. OR’s for lung cancer and myocardial infarction were also higher for welders than non-welders.Item Astrocyte Elevated Gene-1, a Novel Modulator of Astrocyte Function: Implications for neuroAIDS, aging and glioblastoma(2013-12-01) Vartak, Neha; Ghorpade, AnujaVartak-Sharma, Neha N., Astrocyte elevated gene-1, a novel modulator of astrocyte function: Implications for NeuroAIDS, aging and glioblastoma. Doctor of Philosophy (Biomedical Sciences), Nov, 2013, 180 pp., 1 table, 40 illustrations, 336 bibliographies. Recent attempts to analyze human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1-induced gene expression changes in astrocyte identified a multifunctional oncogene, astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1), as an HIV-1 and tumor necrosis factor-inducible transcript. Subsequently, due to its homology to mouse breast cancer metastasis protein, metadherin, AEG-1 was largely implicated in carcinogenesis of diverse cancer types. However, the role of AEG-1 in astrocytes, the original cell type in which AEG-1 was first identified, still remains to be investigated. In the present study, we identified AEG-1 as a novel modulator of astrocyte function during reactive astrogliosis, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, and elucidated its implications in NeuroAIDS, aging and cancer. Our in vitro and in vivo studies recognized AEG-1 modulation of astrocyte migration and proliferation towards the wound site, thereby regulating astrocyte wound healing, a fundamental homeostatic function of astrocytes. Further, AEG-1 expression analyses in HIV-1+ and HIV-1 encephalitic human brain tissues provided the necessary physiological evidence for AEG-1 induction upon HIV-1 neuroinvasion. Herein, we identified AEG-1 as an inflammatory response gene and as an important upstream regulator of NF-κB signaling in astrocytes. Our results demonstrated AEG-1 cytoplasmic and nuclear interaction with NF-κB p65 subunit, which was crucial for NF-κB nuclear translocation, thereby regulating astrocyte neuroinflammation. In the same study, we also identified AEG-1 as a novel regulator of astrocyte glutamate clearance, an important determinant of neurocognitive CNS function, by modulating the expression of the key glutamate transporter, excitatory amino acid transporter 2. Analyses of AEG-1 expression in the cognitive centers of the brain of aging individuals demonstrated AEG-1 age-dependent expression in the human brain, which further proposed a role for AEG-1 in cellular oxidative stress responses. Herein, we identified a novel antioxidant cytoprotective role of AEG-1 in astrocytes and astrocytoma cells. Cellular localization studies by confocal microscopy revealed AEG-1 localization to the dense fibrillar components of the nucleolus in response to injury or oxidative stress, suggesting AEG-1 implication in ribosomal RNA processing. Our results demonstrated AEG-1 regulation of catalase activation and Nrf2 stabilization in response to oxidative stress and further elucidated AEG-1 modulation of Nrf2 nuclear translocation, the first step in antioxidant cellular defense mechanisms. The results presented in this thesis provide insight into the role of oncogene AEG-1 in human astrocytes and ameliorates our understanding of astrocyte-mediated processes in normal and disease-relevant pathologies, ranging from HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorders and traumatic CNS injuries to primary neoplasms of the brain.Item Buchanan, Sam, D.O.(1992-10-21) Buchanan, Sam; Stokes, C. RayDr. Buchanan, a member of TCOM's 2nd graduating class, served as Chairman of the Surgery Department. He shares highlights from his school days and his hopes for the surgery department. Interviewed by C. Ray Stokes, October 21, 1992Item Characterization of Protein Kinase C in Cisplatin Sensitive and Resistant Human Cervical Cancer HeLa Cells(2000-12-01) Mohanty, Sanghamitra; Basu, Alakananda; Simecka, Jerry; Dimitrijevich, DanMohanty, S., Characterization of protein kinase C in cisplatin sensitive and resistant human cervical cancer HeLa cells. Master of Science (Microbiology and Immunology), December, 2000. 37 pp., 11 illustrations, bibliography, 27 titles. Signal transduction plays a crucial role in carcinogenesis. A defect in signaling, by evading cell death or promoting cell proliferation, may result in neoplastic transformation or protection of cells from the cytotoxicity of anticancer drugs. Therefore, in order to understand the complex mechanism of drug resistance, it is relevant to probe into the important signal transduction pathways. Protein kinase C, a key signal transducer, influences cisplatin sensitivity in many cell lines. We examined whether or not the PKC signal transduction pathway is affected during development of resistance to cisplatin by tumor cells. PKC activators increased cisplatin sensitivity in both parental and cisplatin-resistant cells. Western blot analysis showed a slight decrease in cPKCα and nPKCε, an evaluation in nPKCδ and no change in the abundance of PKCϚ in HeLa/CP cells compared to HeLa cells. Though TPA-induced translocation of PKC isoforms was identical in both cell lines, down regulation of PKCδ was defective in resistant cells. Therefore, a deregulation in PKCδ was associated with cisplatin resistance.Item Combined Chemo/Anti-Angiogenic Cancer Therapy in Lewis Lung Metastases(2002-05-01) Sinha-Datta, Anjuli; Goldfarb, Ronald H.; Agarwal, Neeraj; Mathew, Porunelloor A.Datta, Anjuli. Combined Chemo/Anti-Angiogenic Cancer Therapy in Lewis Lung Metastases. Master of Science (Microbiology and Immunology), May 2002. 41 pp., 17 illustrations, bibliography. The focus of my dissertation studies is an eight amino acid peptide (Å6) derived from the non-receptor binding region of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), which partially inhibits the binding of uPA to its receptor (uPAR). Å6 has been synthesized as a potential novel anti-cancer agent and kindly provided by Ångstrom Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (San Diego, CA). We further examined potential therapeutic properties of Å6 in vivo and in vitro. Å6 appeared to directly inhibit the invasion of Lewis lung carcinoma cells through Matrigel by approximately 40-45% compared to control. In addition, Å6 had a morphological effect resulting in thicker tubes on small vessel endothelial tube formation compared to no treatment. Interestingly, doxorubicin had similar effects when added to growing endothelial cells. Moreover, Å6 was administered alone and in combination with a standard clinically used chemotherapeutic agent, doxorubicin, in a Lewis lung carcinoma mouse model to test possible synergy between an anti-angiogenic compound (Å6) and a chemotherapeutic agent. This is the first observation that Å6 has the potential to display a direct anti-metastatic therapeutic effect for established pulmonary metastases in this model. Therefore, we believe that Å6 in combination with doxorubicin has the potential to provide better therapy to cancer patients with tumor metastases than potent chemotherapeutics agents alone, by increasing the dose of non-toxic Å6 and reducing the recommended dose of doxorubicin.Item Defining the Prostate Cancer Population in Texas Using Hospital Discharge Data(2004-05-01) Manuel, Christopher J.; Singh, Karan; Rene, Antonio A.Manuel, Christopher J., Defining the prostate cancer population in Texas using hospital discharge data. Masters of Public Health (Biostatistics), May 2004, 25 pp., 6 tables, bibliography, 35 titles. The Texas Health Care Information Council (THCIC) was created by the 74th Texas Legislature in 1995. THCIC’s primary purpose is to provide data that will enable Texas consumers and health plan purchasers to make informed health care decisions. This data also serves the purpose of providing information about disease trends and hospital discharges. The purpose of this study was to describe the disease status of prostate cancer in the state of Texas. Prostate cancer is the most common non-cutaneous male malignancy and ranks as the second cause of cancer-related mortality among men in the United States. Epidemiologic data was extracted from the data set for analysis looking at disease trends based on a variety of factors such as age, race, and insurance.Item Dissecting the Role of Protein Kinase C-Epsilon in Breast Cancer(2013-12-01) Jain, Kirti; Basu, AlakanandaProtein kinase C-epsilon (PKCε) has pro-tumor functions in many cancers including breast cancer. The purpose of this dissertation is to understand the role of PKCε in fundamental processes that are associated with breast cancer development and progression. PKCε is known to promote the survival of breast cancer cells. Autophagy is a process of cellular self-digestion that can mediate cell survival during stress. We have found that PKCε overexpression increases the basal autophagy in breast cancer cells while its depletion reduces it. Moreover, the effect of PKCε on autophagy is isozyme specific. Regulation by PKCε is not limited to basal autophagy as it also mediated starvation-induced autophagy. Looking for the possible mechanisms, we found that PKCε negatively regulates mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which is the master regulator of autophagy. These results show that PKCε positively regulates autophagy, likely, via inhibition of mTOR. PKCε overexpression in mammary epithelial cells led to morphological changes indicating its role in regulation of cell plasticity. Further analysis revealed that PKCε promotes epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is an early step in cancer metastasis. In addition, PKCε mediated transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ)-induced EMT partially via Snail, which is a crucial EMT effector. Moreover, PKCε promoted cell migration and anoikis Ii resistance which are hallmarks of EMT. To examine the phenotypic effect of PKCε manipulation in a physiologically relevant context, we employed three dimensional (3D) cell culture model. We found that PKCε overexpression led to disruption of acinar morphogenesis in 3D culture. These results indicate a causal role for PKCε in breast tumor development and progressionItem EGCG and Its Role in Prostate Cancer Angiogenesis(2005-05-01) Thomas, Rusha; Porunelloor Mathew; Ming-Chi Wu; Dan DimitrijevichThomas, Rusha, EGCG and its role in prostate cancer angiogenesis. Master of Science (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology), May 2005, 47 pages, 14 illustrations, reference list, 44 titles. Hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1)-mediated upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been implicated in angiogenesis associated with malignancies. HIF-1 consists of a constitutively expressed HIF-1β subunit, and a hypoxia-inducible HIF-1α subunit. Hypoxic induction of HIF-1α correlates with increased transcriptional activation of its downstream target genes, including VEGF. Epidemiologic and laboratory studies indicate that green tea has cancer preventive activity which has been attributed to its polyphenol components, the major one being epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This study investigated the effect of EGCG on normoxic VEGF expression in PC-3ML human prostate cancer cells. In contrast to previous studies where EGCG inhibited VEGF expression in breast and colon cancer cell lines, our results demonstrated that EGCG has the ability to upregulate HIF-1α transcription factor via inhibition of prolyl hydroxylation and subsequent von Hippel-Lindau protein interaction. HIF-1α upregulation by EGCG led to increased VEGF promoter activity and protein expression.Item Extracellular Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen as a Marker and Therapeutic Target for Cancer Stem Cells.(2014-05-01) Horton, Nathan C.; Porunelloor MathewCancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, making it a major public health issue. Due to increased efficiency in detecting and treating cancer, primary tumors account for only 10% of cancer mortalities. Today, the majority of cancer related deaths are due to metastasis and relapse after therapy, which current cancer treatments fail to prevent. Recently, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have emerged as being responsible for metastasis and relapse. CSCs are cancerous cells with stem cell characteristics including self renewal and the ability to evade chemotherapy and elimination by the immune system. A part of the innate immune system, Natural Killer (NK) cells provide the first line of defense against cancerous cells. NK cells kill cancerous cells through release of cytotoxic granules, a process regulated by activating and inhibitory receptors at the NK cell surface recognizing specific surface molecules on a tumor. Of the NK cell receptors, signaling via NKp44 is pivotal in determining the fate of tumor cells because it possesses both activating and inhibitory functions and is only expressed on activated NK cells. In this study, expression of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA), an inhibitory ligand of NKp44, is identified on the surface of a Diffuse B Cell Lymphoma, Prostate, and Breast cancer cell lines in novel association with Human Leukocyte Antigen Class I molecules. By blocking interactions between NKp44 and the PCNA/HLA I complex, NK cell mediated cytotoxicity and IFN-γ secretion is enhanced. Finally, prostate and breast cancer cells expressing PCNA at the cell surface express several molecular signatures of cancer stem cells which increase the ability of these cells to survive the metastatic process.Item Gender Differences in Hemoglobin Level at the Onset of Symptoms of Cancer-Related Anemia(2003-12-01) Levar, Joshua M.; Victoria RudickLevar, Joshua M., Gender Differences in Hemoglobin Level at the Onset of Symptoms of Cancer-Related Anemia. Masters (Clinical Research Management), December, 2004, 39 pp., 2 tables, 5 illustrations, bibliography, 47 titles. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the previously demonstrated relationship between quality of life and anemia in cancer patients was influenced by gender. Two hundred and fifty one patients of various diagnoses completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Anemia (FACT-An) subscale to measure quality of life. Regression analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between hemoglobin and FACT-An subscale score, as well as a negative correlation between Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status and FACT-An subscale score. Mean comparison demonstrated a significant difference in FACT-An score between patients currently and not currently receiving chemotherapy. An analysis of covariance, controlling for current therapy and ECOG performance status as confounders, found that men score more poorly on the FACT-An within the hemoglobin range of 10.-13.0 g/dL. In conclusion, the normalization of hemoglobin levels improves quality of life; however, gender differences should be taken into account when determining optimal hemoglobin levels.Item Health Risk, Behavior and Attitudes of Urban African American Men Toward Prostate Cancer Screening(2006-05-01) Samuel, Prattus; Lurie, Sue; Lykens, Kristine; Bae, SejongSamuel, Prauttus K., Health Risk, Behavior and Attitudes of Urban African American Men Toward Prostate Screening. Master of Public Health (Community Health), May 20, 2006, 84 pp., 10 tables, 1 illustration, 72 references. In Texas, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among non-Hispanic whites and African American (AA) males. This thesis addresses the research questions: what psycho-social characteristics associated with men who participate in prostate screening? What psycho-social and clinical characteristics are associated with reported risk factors? Focus groups were conducted to identify attitudes, perceptions and health beliefs of African American men’s early detection behavior. Existing data from a prostate screening program in Dallas County, Texas was analyzed to determine associations of demographic variables, risk factors variables and screening participation for each subgroup with AA as the group of interest. Comparison of responses and data analysis provided the framework for a conceptual model.Item Identifying barriers to enrollment and strategies to increase enrollment at a community-based cancer treatment center(2014-05-01) Gokul, Sheila R.; Ladislav DoryAlthough clinical trials are essential for the development of cancer treatments, only approximately 3% of cancer patients in the U.S. participate in them. While 55% of these patients are enrolled in cancer clinical trials through community-based practices and around 80% of all cancer patients are seen at this type of practice, there is a lack of knowledge about the enrollment barriers at these sites. This study evaluates enrollment barriers at a community-based cancer clinic at the levels of the investigative site, healthcare provider, and patient. Barriers to enrollment and strategies to increase enrollment are evaluated through historical data analyses and results from a survey assessing the opinions of healthcare providers on enrollment and research practices.Item Involvement of Estrogen Receptor Beta 5 in the Progression of Glioma(2013-05-01) Li, Wenjun; Shaohua YangEmerging evidence suggests a decline of ERβ expression in various peripheral cancers and ERβ has been proposed as a cancer brake that inhibits tumor cell growth and proliferation. In the current study, we have identified ERβ5 as the predominant isoform of ERβ in human glioma and its expression was significantly increased in human glioma as compared with non-neoplastic brain tissue. Hypoxia and activation of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) increased ERβ transcription in U87 cells, suggesting elevated ERβ expression in glioma might be induced by the hypoxic stress in the tumor. Overexpression of either ERβ1 or ERβ5 increased PTEN expression and inhibited activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway; ERβ5 also inhibited the MAPK/ERK pathway. In U87 cells, ERβ1 and ERβ5 decreased cell proliferation and decreased cells in the S+G2/M phase. Our findings suggest hypoxia induced ERβ5 expression in glioma as a self-protective mechanism against tumor proliferation and that ERβ5 might serve as a therapeutic target for the treatment of glioma. We also reported potential association between ERβ expression and outcomes of TMZ or tamoxifen treatment for GBM, which might be of practical clinical values.Item Involvement of S6 Kinase in Breast Cancer(2013-12-01) Sridharan, Savitha; Basu, AlakanandaSridharan, S., Involvement of S6 Kinase in Breast Cancer. Doctor of Philosophy (Cancer Biology), November 2013, 129pp, 19 illustrations, 215 references. The 40S ribosomal protein S6 Kinase (S6K) is activated downstream of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)and is believed to play and important role in protein translation. In mammalian cells S6K is represented by two highly homologous proteins, S6K1 and S6K2. Both homologs have been shown to be amplicfied and over expressed in breast cancer cells and tissues. While the regulation and functions of S6K1 have been addressed, little is known about those of S6K2 . Hence we sought to examine the causes and consequences of elevated S6K2 levels in breast cancer cells. While the depletion of S6K1 decreased breast cancer cell death, silencing of S6K2 substantially increased it in response to apoptotic and chemotherapeutic agents. We then explored the mechanism by which S6K2 mediates survival and observed that in contrast to S6K1, S6K2 depletion decreased the activation of the prosurvival protein Akt and increased the level of proapoptotic proteins p53 and bid. Following this observation, we sought to determine the pathways(s) contributing to the overexpression of S6K2 in breast cancer cells. Due to its role as a prognostic indicator in estrogen receptor (ER) – positive tumors, we studied the role of the estrogen signaling pathways in regulating S6K2 levels. Estradiol and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) positively regulated S6K2 protein but did not affect its mRNA levels, suggesting post-transcriptional regulation. We further observed that S6K2 regulated cell survival downstream of estrogen in ER-positive breast cancer cells. These findings strongly suggest that S6K2 is critical for the survival of breast cancer cells and that targeting S6K2 in combination with chemotherapeutic agents is a novel strategy to promote breast cancer cell death.Item Long Term Compliance and Withdrawal Rates in Gynecologic Oncology Clinical Research Studies(2003-12-01) Kersey, Jen Kelley; Robert Kaman; LaChelle Arredondo; Robin NewmanOncology is an area of study that is greatly affected by time. Patients with cancer need safe and effective treatment immediately. For some, current treatments have not worked to eliminate their disease. Their recurrent condition reinforces the need for safer and more effective treatment. This treatment must not only destroy the cancerous cells, but it must also allow for the continuation of their lives. This life can be measured by time and quality. Ideally, both would be maximized for proper treatment, yet current science has not found this model cure. For some regimens, quality of life could be maximized at the expense of quantity of life and vice versa. Both the patient and the healthcare provider should evaluate the balance of expectations. The potential of each life should be maximized for length and quality. The investigator/physician must do everything in their power to ensure that the patient’s needs are met medically. In treatment involving recurrent cancer patients, time is of the essence. Therapy, in every form, must be given immediately to extend and improve their remaining lives. If QOL assessments can predict the outcome of retention, acknowledgement of the subject’s well-being can allow for greater insight into the physical and emotional effects of the experimental treatment. The use of this information can help future generations of cancer patients by providing data that describes the therapy. The study of “Long Term Subject Compliance and Withdrawal Rates in Gynecologic Oncology Clinical Research Studies” is necessary for the evaluation of QOL assessments to subject retention, patient care practices in research and private practice may be affected through incorporation of the QOL assessment. There are many benefits that may result if significance is found in this study. The main objective of the QOL assessment is to observe the QOL of the subject in relation to the effect of the treatment on the individual. If subject retention can be predicted from the evaluation of QOL assessments, future clinical research studies, in gynecologic oncology and beyond, may modify their protocols to include the assessments. Improved subject retention will ultimately improve the accuracy of data collection. Improved accuracy will help evaluate the outcomes of treatment for cancer patients. If the QOL assessment shows a correlation to subject retention, the survey could be used as a tool, not only to assess the patient’s well being, but also to predict withdrawal. This project could identify “at-risk” factors of the subject population. Subjects who are at-risk for withdrawal should be followed closely. Excluding subjects that meet the clinical protocol would be unethical. To protect the validity of the study and ensure ethical measures are taken, those subjects that have factors associated with drop-out should be enrolled in the study and monitored closely. The survey may give insight to the types of ancillary or palliative care that may be needed during the patient’s fight with cancer. This research hopes to identify that quality of life assessments are an integral dimension of the research practice. The care of the patient rests in the hands of the physicians providing treatment. They are responsible for the needs and best interest of the patients. Wide discrepancies between the rating of specific outcomes of treatment by the patient and physician have been noted in current literature. This study may help show that the patient driven quality of life assessment is an important aspect of patient care, and should be integrated as a common tool for the care of gynecologic oncology patients. The use of this tool outside of the research setting should also be explored. Future studies in quality of life, beyond that of gynecologic oncology, may be investigated. This study hopes to initiate further research for the quality of life assessment because the QOL assessment gives data regarding well-being from the patient’s perspective. Future studies should also research the confounding factors that may influence subject withdrawal. These additional collaborative factors may contribute to compliance or those “at-risk” for drop out. By maximizing subject retention and protecting subject safety, healthcare research can provide results that reflect the true investigational question.
- «
- 1 (current)
- 2
- 3
- »