Active and Upcoming
Counseling Intervention during Radiation Therapy for Women with Gynecologic Cancer
This is an intervention study that aims to reduce physical and psychological symptoms of gynecologic cancer patients receiving radiation therapy. This counseling intervention is delivered prior to and after radiation therapy in order to improve symptoms of treatment in the short term and hopefully also in the long term. For more information on this study at OSU, please contact study coordinator, Alice Staaby (alice.staaby@osumc.edu).
Improving Prediction of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea: Integrating Genes, Behavior, and the Microbiome
This multi-site study, based out of Moffitt Cancer Center, aims to (1) conduct a genome-wide association (GWAS) study of nausea in cancer patients receiving moderately- or highly-emetogenic chemotherapy; (2) identify biological pathways enriched by genetic variants associated with nausea; (3) develop and validate a new algorithm to predict clinical risk of nausea based on host genetic, demographics, clinical, and patient-reported risk factors; (4) explore associations with the pre-chemotherapy gut microbiome. For more information on this study at OSU, please contact study coordinator, Alice Staaby (alice.staaby@osumc.edu).
Sexual Morbidity Among AYA Cancer Survivors: The Role of Sexual Self-Efficacy and Sexual Communication
This study is currently in the implementation stages and examines whether low sexual self-efficacy (low) and sexual communication (poor) are associated with poorer sexual outcomes (behavior, function, satisfaction, body image) among Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer survivors. We will be assessing domains such as sexual communication, sexual self-efficacy, behavior, function, sexual distress, sexual self-view, body image, barriers to sexual activity, dating/relationship concerns, as well as sociodemographic and medical information. As a secondary aim, we will explore whether AYA survivors differ from matched controls on sexual outcomes and/or the proposed predictors. For more information and to get involved in the study, please contact Alice Staaby (alice.staaby@osumc.edu).
Recent Studies
Enhancing Sexuality After Cancer
This clinical research project offers a psychological intervention designed to prevent or reduce the sexual difficulties and stress that can follow gynecologic or breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Over the past 20 years, our team has conducted a great deal of research with gynecologic and breast cancer patients and survivors. This research has taught us two important things. First, sexual issues are common and difficult for gynecologic and breast cancer patients. Second, until now, there have been very few resources available to these patients coping with sexual difficulties and stress following their diagnosis and treatment. This clinical research project offers a psychological intervention designed to prevent or reduce the sexual difficulties and stress that can follow breast or gynecologic cancer diagnosis and treatment. Enrollment is now closed, but results are forthcoming, so stay tuned!
Coping With Chemotherapy
The objective of this pilot study is to examine the association of optimism and coping and chemotherapy toxicities in the 12 months following initiation of chemotherapy among women being treated for gynecologic or breast cancer. This research project will help us to better understand coping styles among people undergoing chemotherapy, providing insight into which strategies work well for individuals when managing treatment side effects. Enrollment is now closed, but results are forthcoming.
For more information about Women’s Behavioral Health at OSU, visit the website here.