USF Granted $2.8M for “Chemo Brain” Study

Nearly 14.5 million cancer survivors currently reside in the United States, with more than 25 percent reportedly suffering from a cognitive impairment dubbed “chemo brain”, according to the American Cancer Society.

In an effort to address this concern, researchers from the University of South Florida College of Nursing have recently received a $2.8 million grant from the National Cancer Institute. The funds will support the study of techniques to improve memory and concentration among breast cancer survivors.

A team of USF researchers, led by USF professor Cecile Lengacher, PhD, are conducting a study on the, "Efficacy of MSBR treatment of cognitive impairment among breast cancer survivors".

During the five-year study, the team will monitor the effects of MSBR, or “mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention” on 300 breast cancer survivors. The study subjects will be patients from the Moffitt Cancer Center and the USF Health Morsani Center for Advanced Healthcare.

According to a university press release, the program is non-pharmacological and instead “involves group interaction and practice techniques, including sitting and walking meditation, yoga and body scan”. 

"Breast cancer survivors who have undergone through chemotherapy and radiation often experience a condition called chemo brain, which effects memory and concentration," Dr. Lengacher said. "Our goal is to test MBSR (BC) in a randomized controlled trial to determine if the intervention is an effective treatment for memory and cognitive functioning. Positive results would increase quality of life for survivors and provide evidence for better, more effective and less costly treatment of this condition."

"We're excited to receive this significant grant from NIH to study breast cancer survivors," said Dianne Morrison-Beedy, PhD, senior associate vice president of USF Health and dean of the College of Nursing. "I'm proud to lead a college that's transforming health care and transforming lives." 

The NCI’s funding of this important study represent just one in an extensive variety of grants awarded to USF researchers by branches of the National Institutes of Health.

In 2014, for example, the University of South Florida garnered more than $58 million in grants from the NIH for various research projects. Examples of highly funded departments from USF for 2014 include:

The University of South Florida is an important research institution for these and many other areas of science and medicine, making it a great venue for the sale of lab equipment and lab supplies. That’s why Biotechnology Calendar, Inc. is pleased to announce the 1^st Annual BioResearch Product Faire at University of South Florida on January 14, 2016.

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