Breast Cancer Treatment Research Study
Researchers at Florida International University are conducting a study in breast cancer survivors to better understand how cancer treatment affects functioning in the autonomic nervous system.
Fast Facts
Breast Cancer Treatment in the Last 5 Years
Women 18-59 Years Old
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Miami, FL
Study Background
How does cancer treatment affect the autonomic nervous system?
Dysautonomia is an umbrella term referring to a group of several medical conditions that cause a malfunction of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). Cancer can affect the ANS in a variety of ways, and while cancer therapies have increased patient survival rates, their side effects (such as toxicity to the heart and brain) can lead to dysfunction in the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Dysautonomia is an emerging, but also poorly understood topic. Some researchers suggest it could be a risk factor for heart disease in breast cancer patients, but we don’t yet know enough to understand all the effects of cancer-related dysautonomia.
Also, more research is needed to define beneficial interventions. For example, do exercise programs help to reduce declining function in the ANS?
In this study, we’ll use a combination of patient self-reports and physiological measurements (from a wearable sensor device) to monitor dysautonomia in cancer patients and to analyze the effectiveness of exercise programs. If you are a breast cancer survivor who went through treatment in the last 5 years, you are invited to participate in this study.
Study Background
How does cancer treatment affect the autonomic nervous system?
Dysautonomia is an umbrella term referring to a group of several medical conditions that cause a malfunction of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). Cancer can affect the ANS in a variety of ways, and while cancer therapies have increased patient survival rates, their side effects (such as toxicity to the heart and brain) can lead to dysfunction in the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Dysautonomia is an emerging, but also poorly understood topic. Some researchers suggest it could be a risk factor for heart disease in breast cancer patients, but we don’t yet know enough to understand all the effects of cancer-related dysautonomia.
Also, more research is needed to define beneficial interventions. For example, do exercise programs help to reduce declining function in the ANS?
In this study, we’ll use a combination of patient self-reports and physiological measurements (from a wearable sensor device) to monitor dysautonomia in cancer patients and to analyze the effectiveness of exercise programs. If you are a breast cancer survivor who went through treatment in the last 5 years, you are invited to participate in this study.
Additional Information
In this research study, we want to observe symptoms of autonomic dysfunction (such as problems with mobility and balance, sweating problems, or exercise intolerance) in breast cancer survivors. We also want to track the severity of these symptoms, as well as when & why they arise. Finally, we aim to identify patterns in these symptoms among different people. We hope that this information will help us better understand cancer-related dysautonomia and lead to better interventions in the future.
You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Women ages 18-59
- Diagnosed with breast cancer
- Received treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery) in the last 5 years
- No other health conditions that affect motor or cognitive function, such as neurological conditions
- Able to independently operate a smartphone app
- Willing to wear a wrist-worn sensor device
Each person in the study will have an initial home visit where they will receive a wearable and also undergo baseline testing and surveys. Each participant will complete a longer online survey (about 30 minutes in length) and also receive short surveys on their phone throughout the time they are in the study. You’ll be asked to wear the wearable on your wrist for 30 days. We will pick up the study materials at your home at the end of the 30 days.
As a participant, you can receive up to $250 in the form of Amazon e-gift cards.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
