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Research Project: Excessive Body Weight and Ovarian Cancer

HealthLINK Research Project Excessive Body Weight and Ovarian Cancer

The goals of this research project are to understand the role of excessive body weight in making ovarian cancer worse and the effectiveness of treatments like chemotherapy.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths for women age 35 to 74 years old.1 More than 90% of women live five years or longer if they are diagnosed and treated early.1 Ovarian cancer does not have a test that can detect it at an early stage.1 Also, the symptoms of ovarian cancer are similar to other sicknesses, so only about 20% of cases are found early.1 For women whose cancer is diagnosed at an advanced stage, they have a 28% chance of surviving.1

Co-led by Dr. Carrie House and Dr. Tom Huxford, the goals of this research project are to understand the role of excessive body weight in making ovarian cancer worse and the effectiveness of treatments like chemotherapy. The project team is studying the role of excessive body weight in activating a protein that can trigger inflammation. Inflammation is part of the immune system’s response to sickness and injury; however, it can lead to tumor-initiating cells that help ovarian cancer tumors grow and make treatments like chemotherapy not work as well.

Meet the Project Team

Frequently Asked Questions About the Research Project

Interested in learning more about the project? Contact us.

 

1 National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. “What is Ovarian Cancer?” NOCC. http://ovarian.org/about-ovarian-cancer/what-is-ovarian-cancer (accessed June 14, 2019)

Research Project: Goal Oriented Activity for Latinos with Spine Pain (GOALS/Metas)

HealthLINK Research Project GOALS

The goal of this research project is to develop an effective tele-rehabilitation approach that will help with pain management.

Spine pain is common, including among racial/ethnic minorities.1,2 It has led to $100 billion in reduced productivity and lost wages.3 Spine pain also reduces quality of life for people who have it and their families.4,5 Hispanics/Latinos report more frequent and severe episodes of work-related pain than Caucasians,6 yet most existing treatments for chronic spine pain have been developed and tested in Caucasian populations.

Co-led by Dr. Sara Gombatto and Dr. Katrina Maluf, the goal of this research project is to develop an effective tele-rehabilitation approach to help with pain management. The project team is adapting a cognitive behavioral physical therapy intervention, a physical therapy program that involves changing thoughts and behaviors, to help Hispanics/Latinos who have chronic spine pain. This type of intervention is designed to help individuals manage their pain through goal setting, practicing balanced thinking, engaging in rest and activity, and managing setbacks. The adapted intervention consists of in-person visits and telephone calls with a physical therapist and a targeted home exercise program. Materials are available in English and Spanish.

Meet the Project Team

Frequently Asked Questions About the Research Project

Interested in learning more about the project? Contact us.

 

1 Plesh O, Adams SH, Gansky SA. Racial/Ethnic and gender prevalences in reported common pains in a national sample. J Orofac Pain. 2011;25(1):25-31.

2 Zettel-Watson L, Rutledge DN, Aquino JK, et al. Typology of chronic pain among overweight Mexican Americans. J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2011;22(3):1030-1047.

3 Katz JN. Lumbar disc disorders and low-back pain: socioeconomic factors and consequences. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2006;88 Suppl 2:21-24.

4Hoy D, Brooks P, Blyth F, Buchbinder R. The Epidemiology of low back pain. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2010;24(6):769-781.

5 van Randeraad-van der Zee CH, Beurskens AJ, Swinkels RA, et al. The burden of neck pain: its meaning for persons with neck pain and healthcare providers, explored by concept mapping. Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation. 2016;25(5):1219-1225.

6 Anderson JT, Hunting KL, Welch LS. Injury and employment patterns among Hispanic construction workers. J Occup Environ Med. 2000;42(2):176-186.

Alvarado Facilities – Coming Soon

The SDSU HealthLINK Center will expand its services by establishing a Clinical Research Center, Bio-Behavioral and Human Performance Laboratory, Biomedical Wet Laboratory, and Technology Hub in SDSU Research Foundation managed space on Alvarado Road, conveniently located 1.2 miles northeast of the SDSU main campus.

Facilities

  • Clinical Research Center: Waiting room, reception, and clinical rooms to collect data and provide treatment
  • Physiology Lab: Collect data and provide treatment
  • Wet Lab: Process and store biospecimens
  • Tech Hub: Access to wireless sensor, ecological momentary assessment , and global positioning system support

Co-Director Leadership

Principal Investigators