Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Drug Discovery Of Novel Targeted Therapeutics For Metastatic Breast Cancer, Dayralee Torres, Linette Castillo-Pichardo, Ph.D.

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Metastatic disease is the primary cause of breast cancer mortality, due to the lack of effective therapy. The Rho GTPase Rac is integral for the promotion of cancer cell migration/invasion, proliferation, and survival. Since metastatic breast cancers often overexpress or exhibit high Rac activity, inhibition of Rac is a viable strategy against metastatic cancer. Recently, we characterized EHop-016, a small molecule that inhibits Rac activity of metastatic breast cancer cells more efficiently than previously available Rac inhibitors (IC₅₀ of 1µM). EHop-016 inhibits the activity of the Rac downstream effector p21 activated kinase and cell migration of metastatic breast cancer …

Calidad De Vida: An Exploratory Investigation Of Latino Breast Cancer Survivors And Intimate Partners, Sejal Barden, Daniel Gutierrez, Jessica Gonzalez, Shainna Ali

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Advances in addressing psychosocial issues related to cancer treatment and prevention are not reaching all survivors equally. Latina breast cancer survivors and intimate partners are underrepresented in psychosocial interventions, and there is a scarcity of research on the influence of cancer on Latino couples’ quality of life. The purpose of this manuscript is to present findings from a trans-linguistic, dyadic qualitative research study aimed at exploring the influence of cancer on quality of life for Latina breast cancer survivors and their intimate partners. Results highlight several areas that are helpful and hindering to supporting survivorship.

Chinese American Immigrant Breast Cancer Survivors And Their Experiences With Post-Treatment Care, Tara Eaton Phd, Kristin Bright Phd, Xin Zeng Mph, Hayley S. Thompson Phd

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

This study examined the experiences of Chinese American immigrant breast cancer survivors with post-treatment breast cancer care and surveillance in New York City. As part of a mixed methods approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 Chinese American immigrant breast cancer survivors treated in a public hospital setting regarding their final breast cancer treatment visit, perceived risk of breast cancer recurrence, and experiences with social and family networks following the completion of treatment. Several salient and shared themes emerged from the interviews including two areas of particular concern regarding the transition from the treatment to post-treatment setting: survivors’ lack of …

Anticancer Effect Of Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract In Human Cancer Cell Lines, María Del Mar Zayas-Viera, Pablo Vivas-Mejia, Ph.D, Jeyshka Reyes, Phd

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Many medicinal plants are used as chemo preventives and antitumor agents in numerous experimental models of carcinogenesis. Moringa oleifera is a plant that contains several phytochemicals, which have been used for medical purposes including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, metabolism activator, anti-asthmatic, anti-anemia, hormone-producing, liver protector, and detoxifier, among others. Moringa oleifera extracts have also been proposed as potential anticancer agents. Cancer is one of the main causes of deaths worldwide. Although many drugs exist against several types of cancer, more specific agents with lower side effects are necessary. Few reports exist regarding the antitumor activity of Moringa oleifera leaf extract in cancer …

The Construct And Predictive Validity Of Psychosocial Correlates Of Television Viewing, Raheem Paxton, Pascal Jean-Pierre, Saehwan Park, Yong Gao Dr., Stephen Herrmann, G J. Norman

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Background: Many studies have examined the consequences of prolonged television viewing, but few studies have examined the psychological states that contribute to this behavior. In this study, we evaluated the construct and predictive validity of psychosocial correlates of television viewing in a population of African American (AA) breast cancer survivors (BCS).

Methods: AA BCS (N = 342, Mean age = 54 years) completed measures of decisional balance, self-efficacy, family support, and time spent watching television online. Exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) was used to examine the construct and predictive validity as well as the differential item functioning of the instruments …

American Indian Men's Perceptions Of Breast Cancer Screening For American Indian Women, Melissa K. Filippi, Joseph Pacheco, Aimee S. James, Travis Brown, Florence Ndikum-Moffor, Won S. Choi, K Allen Greiner, Christine M. Daley

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Screening, especially screening mammography, is vital for decreasing breast cancer incidence and mortality. Screening rates in American Indian women are low compared to other racial/ethnic groups. In addition, American Indian women are diagnosed at more advanced stages and have lower 5-year survival rate than others. To better address the screening rates of American Indian women, focus groups (N=8) were conducted with American Indian men (N=42) to explore their perceptions of breast cancer screening for American Indian women. Our intent was to understand men’s support level toward screening. Using a community-based participatory approach, focus groups were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed …

Family Breast Cancer Education: A Model For African American Women, Frankie D. Powell, Edwin D. Bell, Jamilla Shepperson, Thomas Coaxum

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

The purpose of this study, funded by the American Cancer Society, was to increase knowledge and understanding, i.e., the willingness and ability to discuss, of breast cancer in southern minority women and their families. A family model of health education guided the research questions. (a) To what extent will an action research intervention increase knowledge about the causes and treatment of breast cancer in minority women? (b) To what extent will an action research intervention increase willingness to talk with family members? The t-test analysis of a 67-item, self- administered survey indicated significant increases in knowledge of cancer and in …