Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Photon Irradation And Cisplatin Enrich Cancer Stem Cells In Ovarian Cancer, Ashley Antonissen

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer (HGSOC) has a 5-year survival rate of less than 50%. Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest gynecological diseases and the 7th most common female cancer worldwide. Ovarian cancer patients generally have a poor prognosis despite the relatively successful treatments. When conventional cancer treatments, such as cisplatin chemotherapy and photon irradiation, are administered, residual cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) can survive, leading to CSC enrichment. CSCs are a small population of cancer cells that exhibit stem-like characteristics: quiescence (slowing of the cell cycle), differentiation, proliferation, and self-renewal to regenerate new CSCs. We hypothesized that providing cancer …

Increasing The Efficacy Of Actinomycin D With Resveratrol In Aerodigestive Tract Cancers, Lukmon Morenikeji Raji

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Chemotherapy poses a significant challenge for cancer patients due to drug-associated toxicity, which often results from their effects on both healthy (normal) and cancerous cells. While various options aim to reduce toxicity and optimize beneficial effects, a comprehensive solution remains elusive. Cyclotherapy is one such approach developed to protect normal cells from the toxic effects of chemotherapy drugs. The basic principle underlying cyclotherapy is p53- dependent cell cycle arrest of normal cells while killing cancer cells via a p53-independent mechanism using a second drug. In our research, we investigated the inhibitory effects of a combination of two low-dose anticancer drugs, …

Evaluating The Symptoms And Treatment-Related Knowledge Of Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy In A Tertiary Care Hospital, Kiran Nawaz Ali

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Cancer has become the leading source of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Its prevalence is rising and high-risk behaviours are being adopted by the people in society. Knowledge about cancer and its management helps in adjusting the resource allocations and in terms of public health policy. Moreover, patient education about symptoms, treatment, and side effects is crucial and must be addressed.
Knowledge about cancer, its side effects, and the possible treatment outcomes is essential, as it helps in deciding about adherence to the treatment. It is observed that many oncology patients have information gaps related to cancer and chemotherapy. However, …

Examining The Effects Of Music Therapy On Physical And Psychological Symptoms Among Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy, Guadalupe Saldana

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Patients undergoing chemotherapy experience undesirable physical and psychological effects in which medications are the preferred method of management. However, standard medications are often insufficient for patients. Failure to attend to the adverse effects can lead to worsening of the patient’s cancer diagnosis and quality of life. The importance of managing chemotherapy symptoms creates an urgent need to implement an approach that is noninvasive, non-pharmacological, and one that still meets the physical and psychological needs of patients receiving chemotherapy.

Objective: The purpose of this thesis is to examine the effects of music therapy (MT) on physical and psychological …

Immunotherapy Versus Chemotherapy: Which Treatment Offers Better Survival To Adults With Advanced Melanoma?, Nadeline Abro

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer that can lead to metastasis. The main treatment for melanoma is surgical removal — a wide excision. Patients with advanced melanoma require further treatment such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy due to the concern of continuous spread.

Purpose: Literature review of studies to examine if patients with advanced melanoma, treated with immunotherapy, enjoy better overall survival rates than patients treated with chemotherapy?

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using using the search terms <(advanced melanoma) AND (immunotherapy)) AND (chemotherapy)) AND (skin cancer)>. Inclusion criteria were studies that were related to immunotherapy and chemotherapy among advanced melanoma patients. Exclusion …

A Review Of Monoclonal Antibody Regimens In Small Cell Lung Cancer Compared To Chemotherapy Standard Of Care, Rachael St. Clair

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine tumor closely linked to tobacco use. Chemotherapy with platinum-etoposide is the current standard of care, with positive initial response rates and subsequently high rates of recurrence and death. Monoclonal antibodies are a therapeutic drug class attempting to block suppression of T cell activation, enabling a stronger immune response.

Purpose: The current predicament in SCLC treatment is determining if monoclonal antibodies have any effect on overall survival. Chemotherapy briefly suppresses SCLC, but given its rapid progression and recurrence, it is necessary to investigate alternative treatments. The following literature review …

The Effects Of Chemotherapeutic Agents On Cognitive Function: A Literature Review, Corinne Menz

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

With increasing cancer diagnoses and an increase of chemotherapy treatment, many patients complain of cognitive decline during the duration of treatment as well as once treatment has been completed. The purpose of this review is to compile relevant research regarding chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment and its implications for the care of cancer patients. Peer-reviewed articles and studies focusing on the impact of chemotherapy on cognitive function were evaluated, resulting in a total of 12 studies utilized in this review. Overall, it has been found that a large percentage of patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment report a subjective decline in cognitive functioning, but …

Breast Cancer Treatment Causing Cardiovascular Complications: How Can We Prevent It?, Abigail L. Reese

Honors Theses

Breast cancer has the highest incidence rate of any cancer in the United States, and it is the second most deadly. It comprises 30% of all diagnosed cancers in women, and it is predicted that the incidence of breast cancer will continue to rise. Most common chemotherapeutic agents utilized in the treatment of breast cancer are known to be cardiotoxic, each with differing mechanisms and possible damage done to the patient. In turn, cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of women in the United States, and their prevalence is continually growing. It is unknown exactly how many women who …

Bypassing The Blood-Brain Barrier: A Physical And Pharmacological Approach For The Treatment Of Metastatic Brain Tumors, Samuel A. Sprowls

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

This dissertation (a) provided an in depth literature review of methods to disrupt the BBB/BTB and improve therapeutic distribution to brain tumors, (b) evaluated the use of azacitidine as a single agent therapy for the treatment of brain metastasis of breast cancer and a potential molecular mechanism by which brain tropic cells are sensitized to hypomethylating agents, (c) determined the impact cannabidiol has on P-glycoprotein mediated efflux at the blood-brain barrier and its potential for use as a single agent treatment for metastatic brain tumors, (d) developed a preclinical radiation therapy protocol for use in small animals and in vitro …

Glycemic Variability In Patients With Stage Ii-Iii Colon Cancer, Natalie Mandolfo

Theses & Dissertations

Patients with cancer experience metabolic changes such as hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and glycemic variability; collectively termed malglycemia. Glycemic variability, defined as fluctuations in glucose, is a marker of metabolic instability. Higher glycemic variability is associated with adverse health outcomes in the general population and in those with diabetes. Little is known about glycemic variability in patients with cancer, especially those with solid tumor malignancies. Glycemic variability is associated with increased infection, shorter periods of remission, and higher mortality in patients with hematological cancer. This body of work describes the concept and measurement of glycemic variability to assess glycemic control in patients …

Impact Of Immunotherapy On The Survival Of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Patients: An Analysis Of The National Cancer Database, Saber A. Amin

Theses & Dissertations

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents 7.2% of all cancer deaths, and by 2030, it will become the second leading cause of death due to cancer. The median overall survival (OS) is 17-23 months in resectable and 4-6 months in metastatic PC [8-9]. The 5-year survival of resectable PC is 22%, and unresectable PC is 8%. A majority of patients treated with standard treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy eventually succumb to the disease due to widespread micrometastases at the time of diagnosis. Due to the minimal effect of the current treatments, novel treatment strategies such as immunotherapeutics have been …

Integrating Geriatric Assessment And Genetic Profiling To Personalize Therapy Selection In Older Adults With Acute Myeloid, Vijaya R. Bhatt

Theses & Dissertations

Integrating geriatric assessment for patient profiling and genetic profiling of leukemic cells represents an innovative approach to personalize therapy selection in older adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We report results of a pre-planned interim analysis of a pragmatic phase II trial that utilized this strategy to personalize therapy. Patients ≥60 years with a new diagnosis of AML underwent geriatric assessment prior to initiation of treatment. Geriatric assessment of physical function, cognitive function and comorbidity burden were used to determine fitness for chemotherapy. Patients with good or intermediate-risk AML received intensive chemotherapy such as anthracycline and cytarabine (7+3) if determined …

Examining The Role Of Metabolic Pathways As Therapeutic Modalities For Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Jeremy Andrew Johnson

Theses and Dissertations--Toxicology and Cancer Biology

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) comprises 15-20% of breast cancers, affects a younger patient population than other subtypes, and is very aggressive. TNBC is comprised of a diverse group of tumors that have proven refractory to targeted therapy and can be difficult to treat. Patients generally receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), surgery, and radiotherapy. The standard of care for NAC includes a taxane, an anthracycline, and/or cyclophosphamide, and administration of NAC has resulted in pathological complete response (pCR) in 30-40% of patients. However, a majority of TNBC patients will not reach pCR and instead have residual disease (RD), which is associated …

Dual Therapy Treatment Of Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia With Blinotumomab And A Standard Chemotherapy Regimen, Tori I. Scheffler

Selected Honors Theses

Leukemia is the number one cancer affecting children in the nation, with acute lymphoblastic leukemia being the most prevalent classification.1 While new and innovative treatment protocols have greatly increased the success rate of primary cancer patients, those who face relapse receive a much more dismal prognosis. Recent studies have shown that patients who relapse quite frequently have developed drug-resistant clones of the original cancer cells, leading to a need for various secondary treatment options. The drug-resistance is due to clonal mutations that take place within the cancer cell, most often because of an outside pressure or stress within the environment …

Does Acupressure Help To Reduce Symptoms In Individuals Receiving Chemotherapy?, Gabriele Cuna

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective for this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not acupressure can help to reduce symptoms in individuals receiving chemotherapy.

STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of three peer-reviewed primary studies published between the years of 2007-2014.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized control trials evaluating if acupressure can reduce nausea and vomiting symptoms in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Sources were chosen from Google Scholar and PubMed based on their relevance to the clinical topic.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes that are measured in the articles are chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting. Two of the articles measured these patient oriented outcomes …

Is Ginger An Effective Treatment For Reducing The Severity Of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea In Breast Cancer Patients?, Julina Taurino

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is ginger an effective treatment for reducing the severity of chemotherapy-induced nausea in breast cancer patients?”

Study Design: The systematic review of three English language, peer reviewed, randomized control trials have been published between 2015 and 2016.

Data Sources: Three randomized control trials were obtained using the PubMed database. One single-blind randomized control trial, one double-blinded randomized control trial, and one double-blind Phase II-III randomized control trial.

Outcomes Measured: The participants of the trials graded the severity of nausea after the intervention of ginger or the …

Actinomycin D And Telmisartan Combination Therapy Targets Lung Cancer Stem Cells, Ryan Green

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The failure of lung cancer treatments has been attributed partly to the development of drug resistance, however the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. It has been suggested that a very small group of specific cells within the heterogeneous tumors, cancer initiating stem cells (CSC), develop resistance to treatment, survive and later initiate the growth of new tumors. Due to their pivotal role in maintenance and relapse of tumors following the acquisition of drug resistance, we reasoned that novel drugs targeting cancer cells and CSC might provide the most effective treatments, if not a cure. To this end, …

Electrophysiological Biomarkers Of Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment In Hematological Malignancy Patients, David E. Anderson

Theses & Dissertations

Multiple cancer populations frequently report cognitive impairment following treatment with chemotherapy agents (“chemo-brain”). Impaired neuropsychological performance is commonly reported in cognitive domains of attention and executive function. Understanding neural mechanisms underlying cognitive impairments is essential to developing prevention and rehabilitation strategies. Brain imaging studies frequently show chemotherapy-related impairments within the attentional control network, which is comprised of a constellation of cortical regions that govern reportedly impaired cognitive functions. In the current dissertation research, I developed a novel electrophysiology battery aimed at recording near-instantaneous neural activity within the attentional control network during cognitive task performance. Cancer patients diagnosed with hematological malignancy …

Symptom Clusters And Quality Of Life Trajectories In Breast Cancer Patients Before And After Chemotherapy, Gaurav Kumar

Capstone Experience

Context. Breast cancer patients experience multiple concurrent symptoms before and after chemotherapy (CTX). Physical and psychological symptoms may persist after treatment and reduce the quality of life (QOL) of survivors.

Objectives. Identify differences in prevalence and severity of symptoms at three times within 1- year of starting CTX; and identify symptom cluster and QOL trajectories over these times in breast cancer patients.

Methods. Symptoms were identified in breast cancer patients (N=219) before the start of CTX (baseline), 30 days after the last CTX, and 1-year after the first CTX. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Symptom Experience Scale …

A Cytotoxic Evaluation Of A Chalcone Derivative Library On A549 Cells, Mary Elaine Kuo

Undergraduate Theses

Chalcones, a precursor to flavonoids, are chemical compounds found naturally in plants. The chalcones’ structure consists of a ketone bridge attached to two aromatic rings. Varying substituents on the aromatic rings allow for different affects, including anti-cancer properties. As a Michael acceptor, chalcones interact with pathways that cause inhibition of the initiation, promotion, and progression of cancer tumors. We have screened 32 compounds for growth inhibition in lung cells that vary the flexibility and confirmation of the 3 carbon bridge between the two aromatic rings as well as the effects of electronic modifications to the aromatic ring. We have found …

Is Necitumumab An Effective Addition To Traditional Chemotherapeutic Regiments When Treating Stage Iv Lung And Colon Cancer?, J. Ross Hosford

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not Necitumumab is an effective add on treatment to traditional chemotherapy regimes when treating stage IV lung or colon cancer.

Study Designs: Review of two open label, randomized, controlled phase III trials and one single arm multicenter phase II study.

Outcomes Measured: Objective tumor response rate was measured for patients with colon cancer. Overall survival rate and length of survival were measured for patients with lung cancer. This was measured in Kapler Meier Methodology.

Results: For two trials the addition of Necitumumab improved …

Alternative Methods For The Treatment Of Chemo-Resistant Cancers, Kaitlyn Wong

Doctoral Dissertations

Great strides have been made in cancer therapy in the past century, yet it remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States today. This work aimed to shed light on novel methods to treat a variety of aggressive and often chemo-resistant cancers both in vitro and in vivo. The first aim of this work was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of poly(methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (polyMPC) prodrugs compared to standard chemotherapeutic agents. Conjugation of polyMPC to drugs such as doxorubicin (Dox) can result in its improved solubility, prolonged half-life and therapeutic efficacy. PolyMPC and polyMPC-Dox (at a …

A Comprehensive Study Of The Effects Of Chemotherapy On Friction Ridge Detail, M Mariel Lowe

Honors Theses

Past research and case studies have shown that chemotherapy drugs appear to lessen the quality of friction ridge skin, thereby impacting cancer patients who are already experiencing a number of unpleasant side effects. Palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia, more commonly referred to as Hand-Foot Syndrome (HFS), is a common side effect of many chemotherapy agents and includes redness, swelling, and peeling of the skin of the hands and feet. This syndrome has been linked to a number of cases involving fingerprint loss, including a prior longitudinal study that evidenced degradation in response to capecitabine, a common chemotherapy agent. This research builds upon the …

Cancer Stem Cells In The Screening Of Anticancer Drugs For Central Nervous System Tumors, Sarah Elizabeth Daron-Mathis

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

There is a growing need (in the medical field) to design personalized therapy for cancer patients. Decades of cancer research have found no silver bullet that can cure all or even most patients. This study evaluated four patients affected by central nervous system (CNS) tumors (Ependymoma and Glioblastoma), and found that tumors with the same histology had unique responses to treatment. Each sample presented different levels of heterogeneity in expressed biomarkers and responded to drugs at varying levels.

Oncologists conventionally treat cancer patients with drugs tested in large clinical trials. However, often patients do not experience positive outcomes following treatments …

The Pathophysiology Of Tumor Lysis Syndrome In Oncology Patients, Jessica Richardson

Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Patients with oncological conditions are at an increased risk of developing a wide variety of complications from chemotherapy that they would not otherwise be exposed too. One such life threatening complication is tumor lysis syndrome, which is an oncology emergency that frequently lands patients in the intensive care unit. Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) occurs most frequently after the initiation of chemotherapy or other chemotoxic drugs during the patients’ treatment course [8]. It causes faster than normal tumor cell breakdown and release of intracellular contents into the general circulation. [8]. This leads to a very predictable development of electrolyte imbalances to …

Does The Addition Of Muramyl Tripeptide To Chemotherapy Improve Overall Survival For Patients With Osteosarcoma?, Jennifer Jones

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Does the addition of muramyl tripeptide to chemotherapy improve overall survival for patients with osteosarcoma?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary randomized controlled trials published between 2005 and 2009.

DATA SOURCES: Randomized controlled trials evaluating the addition of muramyl tripeptide (MTP) to chemotherapy for patients with osteosarcoma were found using Medline/PubMed databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival were the outcome measures used to determine the effectiveness of the additional chemotherapy treatment in osteosarcoma patients. EFS was defined as …

Doxorubicin-Induced, Tnf-Α-Mediated Brain Oxidative Stress, Neurochemical Alterations, And Cognitive Decline: Insights Into Mechanisms Of Chemotherapy Induced Cognitive Impairment And Its Prevention, Jeriel T. Keeney

Theses and Dissertations--Chemistry

The works presented in this dissertation provide insights into the mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI or “ChemoBrain”) and take steps toward outlining a preventive strategy. CICI is now widely recognized as a complication of cancer chemotherapy experienced by a large percentage of cancer survivors. Approximately fifty percent of existing FDA-approved anti-cancer drugs generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Doxorubicin (Dox), a prototypical ROS-generating chemotherapeutic agent, produces the reactive superoxide radical anion (O₂^-•) in vivo. Dox treatment results in oxidation of plasma proteins, including ApoA-I, leading to TNF-α-mediated oxidative stress in plasma and brain. TNF-α elevation in brain …

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 …

Is Acupuncture Effective In Reducing Nausea And Vomiting In Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy?, Kara Meekins

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE- The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether or not acupuncture effective in reducing nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Photochemical Delivery Of Bleomycin In Malignant Glioma Cells, Joseph William Blickenstaff Iii

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Despite continued efforts, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains an incurable form of primary brain cancer. Surgical resection followed by radiation treatment and chemotherapy have been the most effective modalities in prolonging median survival time to 14 months. This research aims to study the response of two different cell culture models to a novel drug delivery method termed photochemical internalization (PCI). PCI is a technique to improve the utilization of macromolecules (e.g. the chemotherapeutic drug bleomycin) in site-specific cancer therapy. This concept is based on the use of specially designed photosensitizers (e.g. aluminum phthalocyanine disulfonate; AlPcS _2a ) which preferentially localize in …