The Longitudinal Impact of Treatment on Cognitive Function in Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer
Abstract
Scientific Objective and Rationale: With over 3 million men living with prostate cancer in the United States, there is a critical need to address the health and quality of life needs of prostate cancer patients and survivors. An area of growing concern is the possible harm of cancer treatment to the cognitive function of cancer patients. Cognitive impairment affects one’s thinking, language, and memory; reduces quality of life; and is associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Studies have suggested that prostate cancer treatment, in particular androgen deprivation therapy, may contribute to cognitive impairment in prostate cancer patients. However, a knowledge gap remains regarding the possible effects of newly developed therapies for advanced prostate cancer and whether treatment may affect specific groups of men differently. To address this gap, my research aims to understand the impact of new and current treatments on cognitive functioning over time among men with advanced prostate cancer and to identify subgroups of men who may be more or less vulnerable to the possible effects of treatment. Applicability of Research: This research has the potential to help men with advanced prostate cancer, including those with metastatic disease or castration-resistant prostate cancer. This research will help us understand whether prostate cancer treatments contribute to loss of cognitive function over the short and long term. This will help patients and physicians in making treatment decisions by broadening our understanding of the relative risks and benefits of different treatment options. In addition, the research will inform clinical approaches. For example, clinicians may ask men about changes in their cognitive function so they may receive intervention as needed. Finally, this research has the potential to affect clinical practice by identifying vulnerable groups that would most benefit from alternate treatment strategies or early intervention to protect cognitive function under treatment. Career Goals: My overarching career goal is to become an independent prostate cancer researcher and mentor. I aim to address multidisciplinary research questions and to advance survivorship and quality-of-life research for the well-being of men with prostate cancer. The proposed training and research plan will enable me to continue to gain expertise and experience in key areas needed to achieve these goals. I plan to strengthen my research skills through coursework and workshops in several areas that build upon my previous training, including pharmacoepidemiology study design and analysis methods, applications of health disparities research, and translational clinical research. Additionally, I plan to develop my professional network toward an independent research career through attendance at meetings and conferences, as well as through collaborations with experts in prostate cancer research across disciplines and research centers. I will participate in seminars and teaching experiences that are part of my training plan and environment to prepare me for the important role of mentoring. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of my research project, I have brought together two distinguished mentors with expertise in pharmacoepidemiology and prostate cancer survivorship research. I will meet regularly with my mentors to provide the opportunity for guidance in my research and to achieve concrete progress toward my career goals. Contributions to Advancing the Field: Types and combinations of therapies to treat advanced prostate cancer are quickly changing, with seven new drugs entering the United States market since 2010. Furthermore, there are differences in treatment practices across different groups of men throughout the United States. With a population of prostate cancer survivors that is both growing and aging, cognitive function as a key component of well-being has great importance. The proposed
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 19, 2019
- Source ID
- W81XWH1910412
Entities
People
- Claire H. Pernar
Organizations
- President and Fellows of Harvard College
- United States Army