Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Impact Of The Neuropeptide Y System On The Progression Of Breast Cancer, Philip J. Medeiros

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Chronic stress is associated with elevated levels of sympathetic neurotransmitter release and immunosuppression. A growing body of evidence suggests that stress-related factors may contribute to the initiation, development and progression of breast cancer. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has recently been determined as such a factor, however few investigations have addressed the functional effects of NPY on breast cells and tumors. Thus, the overall objective of this thesis was to elucidate the mechanisms by which NPY may contribute to the disease. Using the 4T1 murine breast cancer model, we began by first characterizing NPY receptor expression in cancer cells and tumors. Y1R, …

The Relationship Between Cancer-Related Fatigue And Upper Extremity Function In Breast Cancer Survivors, Meryl Marger Picard

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Background: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and arm morbidity constitute the two most common symptom complexes impacting breast cancer survivors (BCS) following surgery and adjuvant treatment, but these multifaceted entities have traditionally been researched as if they were separately occurring events in the survivor’s recovery. Objective: This study examined the relationship between breast cancer survivors’ perceptions of CRF and upper extremity function one to six years post-diagnosis. The study further investigated the impact of multiple adjuvant therapies, node dissection procedures, caring for dependent children, and physical aspects of employment on CRF and upper extremity function. Methods: One hundred fifty-eight BCS responded to …

The Role Of Ptip In Breast Cancer, Lina Niu

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

In the U.S., breast cancer comprises about 30% of all cancer cases (excluding skin cancer) in women. Such a high incidence makes breast cancer a significant health concern, but our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of this disease is still limited. Growing evidence suggests that the development of human breast cancer may involve epigenetics, which attributes changes in phenotype to mechanisms other than changes in the DNA sequence itself. Histones as the chief proteins of chromatin work on gene expression, and methylation of histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) results in transcriptional activation. Lately, Paired box (Pax) trans-activation domain-interacting …

The Effect Of Education On Healthcare Personnel's Knowledge Of Lymphedema Detection And Prevention, Dolly Wilson

Nursing Theses and Capstone Projects

Secondary lymphedema (SLE) is a serious problem for many of the 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. It is estimated that 28 - 38% of breast cancer survivors develop lymphedema. The five-year incidence ranges from 43% to 94% (Armer, 2010). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an education program on healthcare personnel's knowledge of the risk of and preventive measures for upper limb lymphedema in breast cancer patients. A sample of healthcare personnel (N = 32) included both trained healthcare personnel and ancillary staff who are employed in a single oncology center …

Is Weight Lifting Effective In Reducing Lymphedema In Breast Cancer Survivors?, Diana Petrucello

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not weight lifting is effective in reducing lymphedema in breast cancer survivors.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three English language primary studies published in 2009 and 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Three single blind, randomized controlled trials comparing progressive weight lifting and other treatments in breast cancer survivors were found using the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Incidence of breast cancer-related lymphedema onset measured by blinded certified lymphedema therapists using a standardized clinical evaluation derived from the Common Toxicity Criteria version 3.0, comprising of interlimb …

Does Reiki Therapy Decrease Pain During Chemotherapy And Radiation Treatment In Patients With Gynecological And Breast Cancer?, Samantha L. Ciaccia

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Reiki therapy decreases pain during chemotherapy and radiation treatment in patients with gynecological and breast cancer.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of two randomized control trials and one randomized prospective cross-over study published in 2003, 2004, and 2011.

DATA SOURCES: One double blind randomized control trial, one 2-arm single blind randomized control trial and one randomized, prospective, 2-period crossover intervention study comparing Reiki therapy to placebo. Articles were found using PubMed and Medline.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Pain by BPI (brief pain inventory linear analog scale), SF-36 questionnaire, …

Influence Of Oncotype Dx® On Chemotherapy Prescribing In Early Stage Breast Cancer Patients: A Claims-Based Evaluation Of Utilization In The Real World, Kenneth Neil Kennedy

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacy

The decision for adjuvant therapy in women with early stage breast cancer (ESBC) has historically been guided by the presence or absence of specific biological markers (hormone and HER2 receptors), age, and extent of nodal involvement. Oncotype DX® is a validated assay that quantifies protein expression that can predict the risk of cancer recurrence. This study evaluates if the use of Oncotype DX® impacts chemotherapy prescribing in ESBC. This retrospective, cohort study identified patients with ESBC from a large commercially insured population from January 2007 through June 2009. Patients were identified as having ESBC by utilizing procedure and diagnosis codes …