Cancer Survivorship Research Initiative
MISSION AND OVERVIEW
Launched in July 2024, the mission of the Markey Cancer Center Cancer Survivorship Research Initiative is to catalyze innovative and impactful survivorship research at the University of Kentucky to improve the quality of cancer care, health-related quality of life, and health outcomes of cancer survivors and their caregivers from diagnosis to end-of-life. Our scientific aims are to:
Identify actionable behavioral, psychosocial, clinical, and molecular targets to improve cancer survivor and caregiver quality of life and reduce cancer-related morbidity and mortality.
Develop, test, and disseminate interventions and implementation strategies to improve cancer survivor and caregiver quality of life and reduce cancer-related morbidity and mortality.
The Cancer Survivorship Research Initiative aims to support faculty and trainees from all three Markey research programs interested in conducting cancer survivorship research to enhance the breadth and depth of expertise at the University of Kentucky. Support is provided through key resources, including funds to enhance and expedite ongoing survivorship research projects; sponsored guest speakers to foster knowledge of cutting-edge research and build national collaborations; a senior scientist to support proposal ideation and development; and a developing Survivorship Research Advisory Panel that will partner with investigators on study design, implementation, and dissemination. The Cancer Survivorship Research Initiative engages strategically with Markey's shared resources, Markey's education and training programs, as well as other centers to accelerate and build capacity for cancer survivorship research at the University of Kentucky.
SUPPORT FOR RESEARCHERS
The Initiative provides key support to survivorship researchers. Here are a few of the ways we can help:
To learn more or request support for your research, please complete this form.
CSRI Pilot Funding Opportunity
Applications are currently being accepted for Markey's CSRI Pilot Funding Opportunity, and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are expended. To enhance the competitiveness of an extramural proposal, investigators may request up to $10k for projects lasting up to one year.
For questions, please contact marjorie.stanek@uky.edu.
SURVIVORSHIP IN KENTUCKY
Kentucky leads the nation in cancer incidence and mortality, and ranks first among U.S. states for cancer mortality (all sites). Explore the latest 5-year relative survival, cancer incidence and mortality maps for Kentucky.
Common Terms and Definitions
Cancer survivor: An individual is considered a cancer survivor from the time of diagnosis through the balance of life. There are many types of survivors, including those living with cancer and those free of cancer.
Cancer survivorship: Cancer survivorship is a state of being, including the perspectives, needs, health, and the physical, psychological, social, and economic challenges experienced by people and caregivers after a cancer diagnosis.
Cancer survivorship research: Cancer survivorship research seeks to enhance the health and well-being of all cancer survivors and caregivers. This research aims to prevent and mitigate acute and late-occurring physical, psychological, social, and economic effects of cancer and its treatment, improve care delivery, promote healthy behaviors, develop and sustain research infrastructure, and improve research methodologies for individuals impacted by cancer.
Cancer incidence: The cancer incidence rate is the number of new cancers of a specific site/type occurring in a specified population during a year, usually expressed as the number of cancers per 100,000 population at risk.
Mortality: Cancer mortality is the number of deaths from cancer per 100,000 people per year.
Examples of Recent Survivorship Research at Markey
Researchers at Markey are applying expertise in psycho-oncology, the behavioral and social sciences, health services research, implementation science, mHealth, biostatistics, clinical informatics and data science, precision medicine, and palliative care to advance survivorship research and improve the care and health outcomes of survivors and their caregivers. A few recent studies include:
Comprehensive Connected Cancer Care (C4)
PIs: Timothy Mullett, MD, Pamela Hull, PhD, Ming-Yuan Chih, PhD
People starting treatment for cancer often struggle to find and access resources, information, and supportive services they need to navigate cancer and its effects. This Merck Foundation funded trial will determine the effectiveness of embedding a patient-facing app in routine cancer care to assess unmet needs and connect patients to appropriate services, information, and referral sources. 300 patients will be enrolled in this trial, which is being implemented at Markey Cancer Center and throughout the Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Research Network.
Pathways, a Hope Intervention for People with Advanced Stage Lung Cancer
PI: Laurie McLouth, PhD
People with advanced stage lung cancer suffer high rates of depression and poor quality of life. This NCI-funded randomized controlled trial will determine whether delivering a hope-based intervention that helps patients identify and pursue personal goals reduces symptoms of depression and improves quality of life during advanced lung cancer treatment. The intervention is delivered by a nurse practitioner primarily during infusions to reduce burden on patients and increase acceptability. 234 patients will be enrolled in this trial.
Kentucky LEADS Collaborative Lung Cancer Survivorship Care Program
PI: Jamie Studts, PhD (University of Colorado, Boulder) and Jerod Stapleton, PhD
Lung cancer is the most common cause of death in rural America. It is highly prevalent in Kentucky and survivors often experience unmet care needs related to symptom management, psychosocial concerns, and health promotion. This NCI-funded randomized controlled trial will determine whether a needs and preference-based survivorship program delivered by existing clinical staff who receive survivorship training improves quality of life among lung cancer survivors. 300 rural lung cancer survivors will be enrolled in this trial, which is being implemented at Markey Cancer Center and throughout the Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Research Network.
Coverage and Cost-of-Care Links (CC Links)
PI: Jean Edward, PhD, RN
Experiencing cancer can have long-lasting financial effects, known as financial toxicity , for survivors and their caregivers. This NCI-funded trial integrated routine screening for financial toxicity for 54 patients with hematological cancer and 32 caregivers, linking those who screened positive with financial navigation services. Participants found CC Links to be acceptable and appropriate and were able to access financial benefits that reduced their financial toxicity, leading researchers to expand the program to other sites and types of cancer.
If you have a cancer survivorship study in progress or in development, the Cancer Survivorship Research Initiative can connect you with appropriate pilot funding, assistance, and resources.
GET IN TOUCH
For more information about the Initiative, please contact:
Marjorie Stanek, PhD
Senior Scientist
Markey Cancer Survivorship Research Initiative
marjorie.stanek@uky.edu
To request scientific support, please complete the following form:
Request Support
For inquiries about research collaborations and opportunities, please contact:
Laurie McLouth, PhD
Director
Markey Cancer Survivorship Research Initiative
laurie.mclouth@uky.edu
