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Title: Folate conjugated hyperbranched polyester nanoparticles for prostate tumor-targeted delivery of a cytotoxic peptide via prostate specific membrane antigen.
Creator: Flores-Fernandez, Orielyz, Perez Figueroa, J. Manuel, Campiglia, Andres, Yestrebsky, Cherie, Harper, James, Khaled, Annette, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Prostate Cancer is the second most deadly cancer in men, after lung cancer. The need for new and effective therapeutics that can constrain prostate cancer progression are challenged by the lack of suitable delivery strategies that target prostate cancer tissue. To study CT20p as potential chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of prostate cancer we proposed the use of targetable hyperbranched polyester (HBPE) based nanoparticles as delivery system. Folic acid was conjugated to the...
Show moreProstate Cancer is the second most deadly cancer in men, after lung cancer. The need for new and effective therapeutics that can constrain prostate cancer progression are challenged by the lack of suitable delivery strategies that target prostate cancer tissue. To study CT20p as potential chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of prostate cancer we proposed the use of targetable hyperbranched polyester (HBPE) based nanoparticles as delivery system. Folic acid was conjugated to the nanocarrier to improve the selectivity of the nanoparticle towards specific cell surface targets in prostate cancer cell lines. Specifically we evaluated LNCaP that up-regulated the PSMA receptor. The synthesis of folate conjugated hyperbranched polyester nanoparticles was accomplished using an aliphatic and biodegradable hyperbranched polyester (HBPE). HBPE was prepared from commercially available diethyl malonate and 4-bromobutyl acetate. Our AB2 type monomer displays a three-bond connectivity that grows three-dimensionally under specific polymerization conditions. The product, HBPE, is a polymer with globular configuration that contains surface carboxylic acid groups and holds hydrophobic cavities. Carboxylated HBPE nanoparticles were synthesized via solvent diffusion method. A variety of hydrophobic cargos including: dyes (DiR and DiI) and the cytotoxic peptide CT20p were successfully encapsulated. DLS along with STEM imaging reveal nanoparticle preparations with ~100 nm size. Using water-soluble carbodiimide chemistry, surface modifications were accomplished. Available carboxylic acid groups were conjugated to aminated folic acid to yield folate functionalized nanoparticles.We explore the targeting capability of the Folate-HBPE nanoparticles and demonstrated that the cell internalization of Folate-HBPE into prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP and PSMA (+) PC-3) was attained via a PSMA-mediated targeting mechanism. Furthermore, when CT20p was delivered to PSMA expressing PCa cells, detachment and death was observed; together with a reduction in the levels of ?1 integrin (CD29) expression, an integrin implicate in cell communication and cell adhesion. CT20p inhibits cell proliferation within 24 h and produce significant cell death after 48 h post treatment. The IC50 of CT20p was calculated at ~7 nM. Additionally, we investigated the capability of Folate-HBPE(CT20p) to perform as a therapeutic agent, in an in vivo setup, using a murine prostate tumor model. The Folate-PEG-HBPE NPs protected CT20p while in circulation and allowed effective uptake by PSMA-mediated targeting. Treatment with Folate-HBPE(CT20p) display localize tumor targeting and significant tumor growth inhibition in PSMA(+) PCa cell lines within days. Together these results suggest the potential of Folate-HBPE(CT20p) nanoparticles in the treatment of prostate cancer.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0006216, ucf:51112
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006216

Title: The CT20 peptide as an agent for cancer treatment.
Creator: Bassiouni, Rania, Khaled, Annette, Altomare, Deborah, Zhao, Jihe, Estevez, Alvaro, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Due to cancer recurrence and the development of drug resistance, metastatic breast cancer is a leading cause of death in women. In the search for a new therapeutic to treat metastatic disease, we discovered CT20p, an amphipathic peptide based on the C-terminus of Bax. Due to inherent properties of its sequence and similarity to antimicrobial peptides, CT20p is a promising cytotoxic agent whose activity is distinct from the parent protein (e.g. does not cause apoptosis). CT20p is not membrane...
Show moreDue to cancer recurrence and the development of drug resistance, metastatic breast cancer is a leading cause of death in women. In the search for a new therapeutic to treat metastatic disease, we discovered CT20p, an amphipathic peptide based on the C-terminus of Bax. Due to inherent properties of its sequence and similarity to antimicrobial peptides, CT20p is a promising cytotoxic agent whose activity is distinct from the parent protein (e.g. does not cause apoptosis). CT20p is not membrane permeable but can be introduced to cells using polymeric nanoparticles, a method that promotes efficient delivery of the peptide into the intracellular environment.We demonstrated that CT20p was cytotoxic using triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines, primary breast tumor tissue, and breast tumor murine xenografts. Importantly, normal breast epithelial cells and normal primary breast cells were resistant to the lethal effects of the peptide. Examination of multiple cellular processes showed that CT20p causes cell death by promoting cytoskeletal disruption, cell detachment, and loss of substrate-mediated survival signals.In order to identify the intracellular target of CT20p, we performed pull-down experiments using a biotinylated peptide and found that CT20p binds directly to a type II chaperonin called chaperonin containing T-complex (CCT), which is essential for the folding of actin and tubulin into their native forms. The resulting effect of CT20p upon the cytoskeleton of cancer cells is disruption of vital cellular processes such as migration and adhesion. CCT gene expression and protein levels were examined across several breast cancer cell lines, and we found that susceptibility to CT20p correlated with higher CCT levels. Using human cancer tissue microarrays, we determined that CCT was present in significantly higher amounts in tumor tissues compared to normal tissues and that expression often increased with advanced cancer stage. These results indicate that CCT is a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer and suggest that the use of cancer-targeted nanoparticles loaded with CT20p is a novel and effective therapeutic strategy for cancers, such as TNBC, that recur and are refractory to current treatments.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0006207, ucf:51095
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006207

Title: Relationships Between Information Adequacy, Illness Perceptions, and Distress Among Survivors of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.
Creator: Wiener, Chelsea, Cassisi, Jeffrey, Gupta, Rema, Paulson, Daniel, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Patients and survivors of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) report experiencing significant distress despite excellent disease prognosis. Predictors of distress in this population, however, are largely unexplored. Two factors that relate to distress in other cancer populations are patient subjective experiences with information provision and patient illness perceptions. Thus, evaluation of information experiences and illness perceptions among survivors of DTC is warranted. In particular,...
Show morePatients and survivors of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) report experiencing significant distress despite excellent disease prognosis. Predictors of distress in this population, however, are largely unexplored. Two factors that relate to distress in other cancer populations are patient subjective experiences with information provision and patient illness perceptions. Thus, evaluation of information experiences and illness perceptions among survivors of DTC is warranted. In particular, the unique prognosis and treatment associated with DTC invites investigation of the relationship between patient subjective experiences with information quantity (termed (")information adequacy(") in this study) and distress in this population. Thus, the primary goals of this thesis are 1) to examine how information adequacy and illness perceptions relate to distress in survivors of DTC, and 2) to investigate illness perceptions as a mechanism by which information adequacy and distress are related. Further, research suggests that distress and reduced emotional functioning among survivors of thyroid cancer extend years after initial diagnosis; however, the relationship between time and distress among survivors of DTC remains unclear and understudied. The extent to which time moderates relationships between information adequacy, illness perceptions, and distress also remains unexplored. Thus, secondary goals of this thesis are 1) to examine the relationship between time (specifically (")years-since-diagnosis(")) and distress, and 2) to examine time as a moderator of relationships between information adequacy, illness perceptions, and distress in survivors of DTC.A sample of 284 participants identified in the Patient Reported Outcomes Following Initial Treatment and Long-term Evaluation of Survivorship (PROFILES) registry were included in structural equation modeling. Relationships between information adequacy, illness perceptions, and distress were evaluated in Model 1. Results largely supported the hypothesized model: greater information adequacy was associated with better illness perceptions, better illness perceptions were associated with less distress, and greater information adequacy was indirectly related to less distress via better illness perceptions. A direct relationship between information adequacy and distress, however, was not observed. Secondary thesis aims were explored in Model 2. Results did not support moderation hypotheses, and a direct relationship between years-since-diagnosis and distress was not demonstrated. A revised model yielded ancillary findings that having fewer years-since-diagnosis was associated with worse illness perceptions, and with greater distress via worse illness perceptions. Thus, overall study results revealed a notable relationship between illness perceptions and distress among survivors of DTC. Future research should investigate whether interventions to address illness perceptions result in decreased distress in this population. The demonstrated link between information adequacy and illness perceptions invites further investigation of informational interventions in particular as a method to address illness perceptions. Future research should also investigate the extent to which illness perceptions mediate relationships between information experiences and distress in other cancer populations.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006197, ucf:51100
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006197

Title: A novel link between Akt1 and Twist1 in ovarian tumor cell motility and invasiveness.
Creator: Shah, Nirav, Altomare, Deborah, Zhao, Jihe, Khaled, Annette, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Ovarian cancer results in more deaths per year than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. The low survival rate is partly due to the lack of early detection and the susceptibility to relapse. The AKT serine threonine kinase plays a pivotal role in hallmark cellular processes for the progression of ovarian cancer, including tumor cell growth and migration. Therapeutic targeting of pan-AKT has been problematic, in part due to feedback mechanisms and crosstalk with other pathways....
Show moreOvarian cancer results in more deaths per year than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. The low survival rate is partly due to the lack of early detection and the susceptibility to relapse. The AKT serine threonine kinase plays a pivotal role in hallmark cellular processes for the progression of ovarian cancer, including tumor cell growth and migration. Therapeutic targeting of pan-AKT has been problematic, in part due to feedback mechanisms and crosstalk with other pathways. The hypothesis for this study is that AKT 1, -2 and -3 isoforms may have different roles and regulate cell processes in uniquely varied ways. A transgenic mouse model that expresses the SV40 T-antigen viral oncogene and is known to have dramatically increased susceptibility to ovarian cancer was utilized, and it had genetic inactivation of either AKT1 or AKT2 through targeted deletion of the individual genes because these isoforms have been implicated in this cancer. Primary ovarian tumor cell cultures were established and found to exhibit different morphology, proliferation and migration that may indicate a different role for the AKT1 and AKT2 isoforms in these contexts. Ovarian tumor cells with absence of AKT1 predominantly exhibited reduced cell migration when compared to cells with retention of AKT1 and absence of AKT2. Since AKT is known to be important for epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process potentially associated with tumor cell metastasis, the expression of transcription factors implicated in EMT was assessed by real-time array analysis in ovarian tumor cells knocked-out for either AKT1 or AKT2. Twist1, one of the major players in EMT, was not detectable in the cells missing the AKT1 isoform. Results indicate an association of Twist1 with AKT1 in EMT and migration of ovarian tumors cells. This finding is significant because AKT2 has been implicated as the major player of cell migration in human breast cancer cells. Collectively, these findings support a tissue specific role of the AKT isoforms, and may provide insights regarding the most useful cell context in order to target components of the AKT signaling pathway indirectly affecting EMT in order to prevent tumor progression in patients with ovarian and perhaps other types of cancers.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004630, ucf:49916
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004630

Title: NURSE PRACTITIONER STUDENT KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS SKIN CANCER ASSESSMENTS.
Creator: Woodmansee, Ryan, Loerzel, Victoria, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Background: Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer each year in the United States. With skin cancer and the demand for nurse practitioners (NPs) in primary care both on the rise, an accurate assessment of how well NP students are being prepared to perform skin cancer assessments is needed. Patient outcomes are directly linked to early detection and treatment which is essential for all types of skin cancer, especially melanoma. Nurse Practitioners need to be able to recognize the...
Show moreBackground: Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer each year in the United States. With skin cancer and the demand for nurse practitioners (NPs) in primary care both on the rise, an accurate assessment of how well NP students are being prepared to perform skin cancer assessments is needed. Patient outcomes are directly linked to early detection and treatment which is essential for all types of skin cancer, especially melanoma. Nurse Practitioners need to be able to recognize the early stages of malignancy versus benign skin lesions and perform accurate skin examinations. The ability to assess practitioners' knowledge while they are still students will give us a better understanding of how well they are being prepared to perform skin cancer assessments in primary practice. This information will inform educators where improvement in skin cancer education is needed. Methodology: Following IRB approval, nurse practitioner students enrolled in a gerontology course fall 2016 were invited to participate in this exploratory, descriptive study. Twenty NP students completed the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of Skin Cancer Assessments (KAP-SCA) survey. The survey has 80 questions about lesion identification, knowledge of general skin facts, education in NP Program, and knowledge, attitudes, and confidence levels during skin care assessments. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) were used to analyze demographics. Total scores and subscale scores for the KAP-SCA instrument were examined with descriptive statistics. Spearman's Rho statistics were used for correlations among knowledge, attitude, training and practice. Results: The typical NP student was female, age 31 years and enrolled in the family nurse practitioner program at UCF. The majority of NP students had an average knowledge score for general skin cancer knowledge and photo lesion identification questions. However, the majority (70%) of NP students did not agree that the dermatology training they received in their NP program prepared them for practice. Discussion: Most NP students do not feel confident performing skin cancer assessments and basic dermatology procedures upon graduation. Most NP students had a difficult time differentiating between benign and malignant lesions, and would refer the patient to a specialist due to their lack of knowledge or confidence in diagnosis. Conclusions: Information obtained from the KAP-SCA survey demonstrated that the majority of NP students lacked confidence performing skin cancer assessments and had difficulty recognizing if a lesion was benign or malignant. This information can be helpful in informing educators on where improvement in skin cancer education is needed in NP programs.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFH2000153, ucf:45925
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000153

Title: IDENTIFICATION OF SMALL MOLECULES THAT INHIBIT PROSTATE CANCER CELL PROLIFERATION.
Creator: Zelaya, Rainel, Chakrabarti, Ratna, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Prostate cancer is the second most often diagnosed cancer and internationally the sixth foremost cause of cancer death in males, as of 2011. Within the United States it is the most common form of cancer in men with 186,000 new cases and with an overall 28,600 deaths in 2008, and it is the second leading kind of cancer-related death in men. The widespread threat that prostate cancer poses against men across the globe cannot be understated, and its initiation and progression must be understood...
Show moreProstate cancer is the second most often diagnosed cancer and internationally the sixth foremost cause of cancer death in males, as of 2011. Within the United States it is the most common form of cancer in men with 186,000 new cases and with an overall 28,600 deaths in 2008, and it is the second leading kind of cancer-related death in men. The widespread threat that prostate cancer poses against men across the globe cannot be understated, and its initiation and progression must be understood in order to truly comprehend its implicated risks and possible forms of treatment. As its name implies, prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate gland located in the male reproductive system. Its progress starts when standard semen-secreting prostate gland cells mutate into cancer cells. Although its developments may start at the prostate gland, cancer cells may metastasize to other parts of the body through circulation systems such as the lymph nodes. The main sites of metastasis for prostate cancer include the adrenal gland,the bones, the liver and the lungs. Although there are treatments available for prostate cancer, there is no definitive cure. The primary goal of this project was to find an alternative form of treatment, which is what will be necessary to combat this cancer.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004595, ucf:45228
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004595

Title: EDUCATION FOR PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY NURSES ON FERTILITY PRESERVATION OF PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY PATIENTS.
Creator: Breit, Elyse, Loerzel, Victoria, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Although the survival rate of childhood cancer is high, nearly two thirds of these survivors experience negative long-term secondary side effects from cancer treatments. Infertility is one such side effect that can have a prominent impact on quality of life as the patient ages. It is important for nurses working with pediatric oncology patients to provide the patient and family with education about risk for infertility and fertility preservation (FP) in order to allow families to make...
Show moreAlthough the survival rate of childhood cancer is high, nearly two thirds of these survivors experience negative long-term secondary side effects from cancer treatments. Infertility is one such side effect that can have a prominent impact on quality of life as the patient ages. It is important for nurses working with pediatric oncology patients to provide the patient and family with education about risk for infertility and fertility preservation (FP) in order to allow families to make decisions about FP before cancer treatment starts. However, pediatric oncology nurses report being uneducated about FP guidelines and are hesitant to broach this subject with families. The purpose of this HIM thesis is to review nurse perceived barriers related to educating patients and their families about the risk for infertility following cancer treatments and FP and to make recommendations for improving communication between nurses and families about FP. A search was performed using CINAHL, PreCINAHL, PsychINFO, PsychARTICLES, and Medline databases and examined peer-reviewed quantitative and qualitative research studies. Key terms used in the database searches were ped* OR child*, onco* OR cancer*, fert*, and nurs*. Findings indicated that there were many barriers for pediatric oncology nurses, which inhibited the discussion of FP with patients and families such as lack of knowledge and resources, provider attitudes toward FP, and patient factors. Based on the findings, the researcher identified several interventions to aid pediatric oncology nurses in overcoming these barriers to FP discussion.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004620, ucf:45295
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004620

Title: Identification of Areas of Patient Need Using the Cancer Support Source Program.
Creator: Ross, Emily, Cassisi, Jeffrey, Jensen, Bernard, Robinson, Diane, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Understanding, screening, and providing resources for quality of life factors and psychosocial distress have become an important area of focus in cancer care. Negative consequences of poor quality of life and psychosocial distress have been widely studied in oncological research. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network, or NCCN, defines (")psychosocial distress(") as extending on a continuum, (")ranging from common normal feelings of vulnerability, sadness, and fears to problems that can...
Show moreUnderstanding, screening, and providing resources for quality of life factors and psychosocial distress have become an important area of focus in cancer care. Negative consequences of poor quality of life and psychosocial distress have been widely studied in oncological research. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network, or NCCN, defines (")psychosocial distress(") as extending on a continuum, (")ranging from common normal feelings of vulnerability, sadness, and fears to problems that can become disabling, such as depression, anxiety, panic, social isolation, and existential and spiritual crisis(") ((")National Comprehensive Cancer Network,(") n.d.). Findings have indicated the significant impact of poor quality of life and psychosocial distress in the cancer patient population. Elevated levels of psychosocial distress increases the risk of developing depression, anxiety, immune suppression, and may lead to high levels of stress. Studies have also revealed associations between increased psychosocial distress levels, relapse, treatment and healing outcomes, and survival rates (Anderson, Kiecolt-Glaser, (&) Glaser, 1994; Spiegel (&) Nemeroff, 1997). Evidence also shows that heightened psychosocial distress negatively influences a patient's capability to adhere to their medical plan and treatment (Allison et al., 1995; Pirl et al., 2007; Zabora, Brintzenhofeszoc, Curbow, Hooker, (&) Piantadosi, 2001). Attending to these negative outcomes of psychosocial distress and providing supportive care is a crucial action of oncology practice today. The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer responded to the imperative of addressing psychosocial needs in cancer care by mandating national cancer centers for accreditation purposes to screen for psychosocial distress and provide appropriate referral and resources (Standard 3.2). UF Health Cancer Center (-) Orlando Health began psychosocial distress screening on January 1st, 2015 with the utilization of the Web-based, HIPPA compliant, and action based Cancer Support Source Program. Patient data responses collected with the Cancer Support Source Program over the first calendar year of the implementation of the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer standards were analyzed for this research study. A sample of 317 patient data responses was included to conduct an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on the Cancer Support Source Program test items. Specifically, a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with an oblique rotational procedure (Promax) was conducted on the resulting data set for interpretation. Factorial interpretation was made to ascertain latent dimensions in the Cancer Support Source Program. A five factor structure model was found with adequate discriminant and face validity. Factors were grouped by conceptual basis and item-loading composition: Distress, Treatment Management and Decisions, Lifestyle, Relationship, and Substance Use. These factors were collectively termed the Concern Subscales. The Distress, Treatment Management and Decisions, and Lifestyle Factors were found to present the most psychometrically sound and internally consistent model. Further analysis was conducted to examine the resulting factorial structure model on four cancer location groups: breast, head and neck, lung, and gynecological cancer. Results displayed that no significant differences were found between cancer location groups and the five extracted factors. However, an ad hoc test (Tukey's HSD) revealed two significant differences between the Lifestyle Factor and cancer location groups at the p (<) 0.05 level. The Breast Cancer group's Lifestyle scores were higher than the Gynecologic Cancer group, and the Breast Cancer group scores were lower than the Lung Cancer group. Additionally, the action scores were summed to examine correlation between the five extracted Concern Subscales. A high correlation was found, indicating that the action items in the Cancer Support Source questionnaire correspond with the extracted Concern Subscales and do not need to undergo dimension reduction. Furthermore, a high correlation was also found with the extracted Distress Concern Subscale and the existing depression subscale in the Cancer Support Source Program.Results indicated that the Cancer Support Source Program could indeed benefit from dimension reduction to ascertain more parsimonious areas of need presented by the cancer patient population. The 25 single-items in the Cancer Support Source questionnaire may inhibit the ability to indicate other concerns that may be expressed by the patient. By identifying the latent dimensions in this exploratory endeavor, we were able to demonstrate how the Cancer Support Source questionnaire could be refined to include easily scored Concern subscales to better identify areas of need for each individual patient that is screened for psychosocial distress. These findings provide an opportunity to impact patient care, opportunities for referral, and resources for cancer care in a hospital setting using this psychosocial distress screening instrument.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFE0006650, ucf:51254
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006650

Title: OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT WITHIN PROSTATE CANCER INTERVENTIONS FOR COUPLES: A NARRATIVE REVIEW.
Creator: Siguenza, Andrea M, Rovito, Michael J., University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Current cancer research is beginning to address the psychosocial implications of a prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis from not just the perspective of quality of life of the patient, but of his partner as well. Such inquiries have created novel intervention programs aiming to alleviate the adverse side effects that a PCa diagnosis may inflict on the couple. Assessing efficacy of couple-based interventions, however, has been a difficult task due to the lack of homogeneity between studies...
Show moreCurrent cancer research is beginning to address the psychosocial implications of a prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis from not just the perspective of quality of life of the patient, but of his partner as well. Such inquiries have created novel intervention programs aiming to alleviate the adverse side effects that a PCa diagnosis may inflict on the couple. Assessing efficacy of couple-based interventions, however, has been a difficult task due to the lack of homogeneity between studies regarding the operationalization process of primary outcome variables, as well as the instruments being used to measure them. This thesis, in response, aims to provide a detailed assessment of how previous interventions operationalized their targeted variables, the reported psychometric analysis of the instruments of measurement, and which instruments yielded statistically significant results. A narrative review was conducted using a database search strategy to collect articles regarding couple-based interventions that focused on outcomes related to PCa diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Out of the ten articles that passed the screening method, forty-two outcomes were identified, ranging from physical, social, and mental well-being of the couple, to the impact PCa had on their relationship quality. The outcomes were grouped into eight categories: quality of life, appraisal of PCa outcomes, sexual/physical well-being, relationship assessment, coping, mental health, knowledge, and distress. Various scales were used to measure similar outcomes with some articles failing to report on the psychometric properties of their chosen instruments. This assessment aims to provide future researchers with an indication as to what outcomes have been previously targeted and their corresponding methods of operationalization, categorization, and analysis. The multitude of assessed outcomes, the lack of uniformity on best practices in PCa couple intervention research, and the general failure to report on reliability and validity of measures may serve as significant barriers to producing high-quality evidence that can inform the development of future research and practice. This review provides the research community an aid in the development of behavioral interventions, and potentially, practice, via offering recommendations on certain outcomes that remain underreported within interventions. It is the ultimate aim of this project to assist in fostering a true public health for all.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000118, ucf:45977
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000118

Title: USING LOW-COHERENCE INTERFEROMETRY TO MONITOR CELL INVASION IN AN IN-VITRO MODEL SYSTEM.
Creator: Davoudi Nasab, Behnaz, Dogariu, Aristide, Andl, Claudia, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In an optically random system, such as naturally occurring and man-made media, light undergoes pronounced multiple scattering. This phenomenon has shown a remarkable potential in characterizing complex materials. In this regime, scattering occurs from each individual center of the scattering and independent scattering events lead to multiple light scattering. This phenomenon is often described as a random walk of photons and can be modeled in terms of a diffusion equation based on the...
Show moreIn an optically random system, such as naturally occurring and man-made media, light undergoes pronounced multiple scattering. This phenomenon has shown a remarkable potential in characterizing complex materials. In this regime, scattering occurs from each individual center of the scattering and independent scattering events lead to multiple light scattering. This phenomenon is often described as a random walk of photons and can be modeled in terms of a diffusion equation based on the radiative transfer theory. In this thesis, we used optical path-length spectroscopy (OPS), which is an experimental method to obtain the path-length probability density of the propagating light in multiple scattering media, with a low-coherence optical field to investigate the distribution of photon path lengths in a skin cell model system. This method is capable of measuring the transport mean free path of light in a highly scattering medium and depth-resolved profiles of the backscattered light. Our OPS experimental configuration is based on a fiber-optic Michelson interferometer geometry using single mode optical fibers. We performed OPS based on low-coherence interferometry (LCI) on three-dimensional organotypic models of esophageal cell invasion by measuring the optical path-length distribution of backscattered light in normal and invasive conditions. The optical path-length distribution of light waves inside the cell samples provides information on how a change in the extracellular matrix affects invasiveness of the esophageal cells and induction of signaling pathways. Also, we demonstrated the compatibility to study the structural changes during a two-week period for in vitro cell samples.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFH2000219, ucf:45955
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000219

Title: PARTI: EVALUATION OF RUSSIAN SYNTHETIC COMPOUNDS AS A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF NEW DRUG LEADS AGAINST BREAST AND COLON CANCER. PARTII: ISOLATION OF &ACIRC;-AMYRIN FORMATE FROM EUCALYPTUS VIMINALIS LABILL AND INVESTIGATION OF ITS COLON CANCER ACTIVITY.
Creator: Cohanoschi, Mihaela, Miles, Howard, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Although modern medicine made great steps toward curing most diseases considered deadliest, yet cancer remains one of the major public health problems. The first part of this thesis investigates a new source of selective compounds that are potential candidates against cancer. Fifteen Russian compounds were tested in order to establish their efficiency against two types of cancer: human breast SK-Br-3 and colorectal carcinoma HT-29. The bioassay results show that seven of the new synthetic...
Show moreAlthough modern medicine made great steps toward curing most diseases considered deadliest, yet cancer remains one of the major public health problems. The first part of this thesis investigates a new source of selective compounds that are potential candidates against cancer. Fifteen Russian compounds were tested in order to establish their efficiency against two types of cancer: human breast SK-Br-3 and colorectal carcinoma HT-29. The bioassay results show that seven of the new synthetic Russian compounds can be considered new drug leads, based upon their low toxicity and efficacy in slowing the growth of human breast cancer and colon cancer cells. The goal of the second part of the thesis was to isolate pure compounds that inhibit the growth of cancer cells from the methylene chloride extract of Eucalyptus viminalis Labill. This plant was selected for investigations since a preliminary screening of plants from Russia indicated that had activity against cancer. The result of this work was the isolation of a pure compound which has been analyzed using different spectroscopic techniques such as MS, HPLC, 1H-NMR, DEPT, 13C-NMR. The extracted compound was â-amyrin formate, which was previously reported by Malhotra,[49] from Canarium strictum Gum in 1987. Also, the bioassay results indicated that â-amyrin formate might be considered a possible drug lead against colon cancer and can be recommended for further investigations. This is the first report of isolation of â-amyrin formate from Eucalyptus viminalis Labill and the first test of the activity of this compound against colon cancer.
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Date Issued: 2004
Identifier: CFE0000216, ucf:46274
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000216

Title: MEASURING QUALITY OF LIFE IN PEDIATRIC CANCER PATIENTS: THE RELATIONSHIPS AMONG PARENTAL DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, STRESS, AND CONCORDANCE AMONG RATERS.
Creator: Roddenberry, Angela, Renk, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Advancements made in the treatment of the physiological aspects of childhood cancer have resulted in a greater need to conceptualize the disease psychologically as a chronic illness that causes significant stress and requires ongoing adjustment. This study investigates the relationships among parental characteristics, child characteristics, and the quality of life of children diagnosed with cancer. Forty-seven mothers and sixteen fathers, as well as nineteen children diagnosed with cancer,...
Show moreAdvancements made in the treatment of the physiological aspects of childhood cancer have resulted in a greater need to conceptualize the disease psychologically as a chronic illness that causes significant stress and requires ongoing adjustment. This study investigates the relationships among parental characteristics, child characteristics, and the quality of life of children diagnosed with cancer. Forty-seven mothers and sixteen fathers, as well as nineteen children diagnosed with cancer, completed measures of their own psychological functioning. Measures of the diagnosed children's quality of life also were completed. Mothers' ratings of their children's quality of life were found to be correlated positively with both fathers' and children's ratings. In addition, a significant relationship was found between mothers' depression and parenting stress and children's quality of life, as well as mothers' and fathers' anxiety and children's quality of life. Finally, mothers', fathers', and children's ratings of their own characteristics predicted significantly their ratings of children's quality of life. Overall, these results suggested the importance of examining the psychological characteristics of family members when assessing the quality of life of children with cancer.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000415, ucf:46380
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000415

Title: THE EFFECTIVENESS OF "DELIVERING UNFAVORABLE NEWS TO PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER" TRAINING PROGRAM FOR ONCOLOGISTS IN UZBEKISTAN.
Creator: Hundley, Gulnora, Robinson, Edward H., University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Effective physician-patient communication is primary to successful medical consultation and encourages a collaborative interactional process between patient and doctor. Collaborative communication, rather than one-way authoritarian, physician-led medical interview, is significant in navigating difficult circumstances such as delivering "bad news" to patients diagnosed with cancer. Additionally, the potential psychological effects of breaking bad news in an abrupt and insensitive manner can be...
Show moreEffective physician-patient communication is primary to successful medical consultation and encourages a collaborative interactional process between patient and doctor. Collaborative communication, rather than one-way authoritarian, physician-led medical interview, is significant in navigating difficult circumstances such as delivering "bad news" to patients diagnosed with cancer. Additionally, the potential psychological effects of breaking bad news in an abrupt and insensitive manner can be devastating and long-lasting for both the patient and his or her family. The topic of delivering unfavorable news to patients is an issue that many medical professionals find to be challenging and is now getting the attention of medical professionals in many countries, including the former Soviet Union (FSU) republics. The limited literature on communication skills in oncology in the FSU republics supports that the physician-patient communication style is perceived as significantly physician-oriented rather than patient-oriented. More specifically, the Soviet medical education system, as well as post-graduate medical education, has placed little to no emphasis on physician-patient communication training. Physician-oriented communication leads to patients being less forthcoming and open regarding their own feelings about being diagnosed with cancer, which may exacerbate the overall communication problem. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the training program "Delivering Unfavorable News to Patients Diagnosed with Cancer" (Baile et al., 2000) conducted in Uzbekistan, one of the FSU republics. A total of 50 oncologists from the National Oncology Center of Uzbekistan (N = 50, n = 25 , n = 25 ) completed Self-Efficacy, Interpersonal skills (FIRO-B), Empathy (JSPE), and Physician Belief (PBS), and demographic instruments before, immediately after, and then two weeks after the training intervention. Results of MANOVA and bivariate statistical analyses revealed significant differences in self-efficacy, empathy, and PBS scores within the experimental group, but not within the control group, from pre-test to post-test. The follow-up data analysis suggested that participants maintained the level of change that occurred immediately after the training intervention.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002043, ucf:47596
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002043

Title: QUALITY OF LIFE IN OLDER BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS.
Creator: Loerzel, Victoria, Meneses, Karen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Quality of life (QoL) in cancer survivors is an important area of research. While data are available about QoL and breast cancer, there is a paucity of research regarding older breast cancer survivors. The purpose of this research was to examine QoL in older women with early stage breast cancer, within the first year of post-treatment survivorship. The specific aims of this study were to: 1) Describe the changes in overall QoL and the four QoL domains of Physical, Psychological, Social, and...
Show moreQuality of life (QoL) in cancer survivors is an important area of research. While data are available about QoL and breast cancer, there is a paucity of research regarding older breast cancer survivors. The purpose of this research was to examine QoL in older women with early stage breast cancer, within the first year of post-treatment survivorship. The specific aims of this study were to: 1) Describe the changes in overall QoL and the four QoL domains of Physical, Psychological, Social, and Spiritual well-being; 2) Examine the effects of a psychoeducational support intervention on QoL outcomes in older women; and 3) Describe nurses' perceptions of their interactions with older breast cancer survivors. A descriptive, longitudinal design was used to answer the research questions. Data for this study were drawn from the Breast Cancer Education Intervention (BCEI), a longitudinal psychoeducational support intervention for women with early stage breast cancer. Fifty women from the BCEI who were 65 years of age and older were included in this sample, of whom 24 were assigned to the Experimental (EX) Group and 26 were assigned to the Wait Control (WC) Group. Data were collected at three time points: baseline, three months, and six months after study entry. Measurement tools included the BCEI Demographics Form, the Quality of Life-Breast Cancer Survey (QoL-BC), and field notes of the BCEI Research Nurses. The QoL-BC survey is a 50-item scale that measures QoL in women with breast cancer. Descriptive statistics, Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) methods and t-tests were used to answer research questions #1 and #2. Content analysis was used to answer research question #3. Subjects reported good overall QoL at baseline, but QoL declined over six months. Physical and Psychological well-being declined from baseline to six months later. Social well-being initially improved from baseline to three months but declined at six months. Spiritual well-being initially declined at three months and improved at six months. There was insufficient power to detect a difference in the effects of the BCEI Intervention between the two groups. However, the decline in overall QoL was less in the EX Group. Field notes focusing on nurses' perception of their interactions with older women revealed four themes. These themes include: continuing breast-related health, personal health issues, family health issues, and potential stressors. Results from this study suggest that: 1) changes in overall QoL and within the four QoL domains occur over time; 2) decline in overall QoL was lessened by the BCEI Intervention; and 3) concerns after treatment are both breast cancer and non-breast cancer related. Study findings can direct future research in the following areas: 1) identification of specific concerns within each QoL domain that could lead to an increase or decrease in well-being in older breast cancer survivors; 2) interventions tailored to the needs of older breast cancer survivors to maintain, improve, or lessen decline in QoL after treatment; and 3) reconceptualizing QoL in older breast cancer survivors to include non-cancer related factors.
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Date Issued: 2007
Identifier: CFE0001720, ucf:47298
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001720

Title: ATHLETIC TRAINERS KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTIONS OF TESTICULAR CANCER AND TESTICULAR CANCER PREVENTION PRACTICES.
Creator: Mings, Christopher, Schellhase, Kristen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Context: Collegiate male athletes have a higher risk of testicular cancer due to their age group, an increased risk of testicular contusions, and a lack of secondary prevention education. As the athletic training profession increases emphasis on evidence-based practice, it is important for athletic trainers to understand testicular cancer and testicular-self examination as it is outlined within their scope of practice. A general understanding of testicular cancer and the prevention techniques...
Show moreContext: Collegiate male athletes have a higher risk of testicular cancer due to their age group, an increased risk of testicular contusions, and a lack of secondary prevention education. As the athletic training profession increases emphasis on evidence-based practice, it is important for athletic trainers to understand testicular cancer and testicular-self examination as it is outlined within their scope of practice. A general understanding of testicular cancer and the prevention techniques will be important for athletic trainers to promote awareness and health behavior practices. Objective: To examine the athletic trainers actual knowledge, concern, perceived responsibility, training, feeling of embarrassment, and professional/personal practices. Design: Cross sectional survey. Participants: 249 randomly selected athletic trainers employed in collegiate settings. 65.6% of the respondents reported being between the ages of 21 and 35 years old. Intervention: Actual knowledge, concerned, perceived responsibility, trained, embarrassed, and personal and professional practice behavior scores served as dependent variables. Main Outcome Measures: A Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated between participants actual knowledge, perceived responsibility, and concerned scores. Two one-way MANOVAs were conducted to determine if there was a difference in actual knowledge, perceived responsibility, and concerned scores that was dependent upon participants age and gender. Results: Athletic trainers in collegiate settings had a fairly high actual knowledge of testicular cancer (X=7.62 [plus or minus] 1.42 out of 10). Athletic trainers reported that they should be concerned about testicular cancer in male athletes (X=7.26 [plus or minus] .167 out of 10). Athletic trainers had a low feeling of responsibility suggested by their reported score (X=3.93[plus or minus] 0.18 out of 10). A weak correlation (r(169)=.199, P [less than] .009) was found between the actual knowledge and perceived responsibility scores, and between the actual knowledge and concerned scores (r(169)=.285, P [less than] .001). A medium to strong correlation (r(169)=.486, [less than] .001) was found between the concerned and perceived responsibility scores. Athletic trainers reported a decreased feeling of training about testicular cancer and testicular self-examination (X=2.28 [plus or minus] 2.10 out of 10). Also, athletic trainers reported (X=2.71 [plus or minus] 2.42 out of 10) that they were not embarrassed to discuss testicular cancer. Athletic trainers reported performing either a testicular self-exam or breast-self examination on themselves (X=76%). Conclusions: College athletic trainers have a low feeling of embarrassment, adequate knowledge, and a high feeling of concern regarding testicular cancer, but report a low feeling of perceived responsibility and training
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004564, ucf:45190
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004564

Title: TESTING MICE AT RISK OF PANCREATIC CANCER FOR ALTERED PROTEIN PATHWAYS FOUND IN DIABETES.
Creator: Cheung, Henley, Altomare, Deborah A., University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Pancreatic cancer is nearly asymptomatic, which can result in extensive grow and even metastasis to other organs before detection. When diagnosed at a late stage, the survival rate is 3%. Early detection is therefore the key to treating pancreatic cancer. Diabetes was identified as a risk factor for the development of pancreatic cancer, but the mechanism remains unknown. In this project, the objective was to delineate a link between diabetes and pancreatic cancer by examining their shared...
Show morePancreatic cancer is nearly asymptomatic, which can result in extensive grow and even metastasis to other organs before detection. When diagnosed at a late stage, the survival rate is 3%. Early detection is therefore the key to treating pancreatic cancer. Diabetes was identified as a risk factor for the development of pancreatic cancer, but the mechanism remains unknown. In this project, the objective was to delineate a link between diabetes and pancreatic cancer by examining their shared protein signaling pathways. In a previous study, hyper-activation of AKT1 resulted in a pre-diabetic phenotype and also increased upregulation of downstream phosphorylated mTOR and phosphorylated p70S6 kinase. More recently, mice with mutations that hyper-activated AKT1 and KRAS showed a significantly higher blood glucose level compared to littermate matched wild-type, mutant AKT1, or mutant KRAS mice. Interestingly, mice with a combination of mutations that hyper-activated AKT1 and KRAS also showed faster development of pancreatic cancer compared to these other groups of littermate mice. Toward determining a molecular basis for the crosstalk between AKT1 and KRAS, pancreas and liver tissues were collected from all four groups of mice including wild-type, mutant AKT1, mutant KRAS, and mice with dual AKT1/KRAS hyper-activation. One strategy was to examine expression and/or phosphorylation of downstream protein signaling crosstalk by analysis of p70S6K using Western Blots. Erk 1/2 proteins were also tested as downstream proteins of KRAS to provide a molecular view of the individual and cooperative roles of AKT1 and KRAS in the mouse models. A potential feedback mechanism to affect insulin receptor signaling in the pancreas was examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). A significant decrease in insulin receptor phosphorylation, possibly contributing to insulin resistance, was found when mice had mutant hyper-activated KRAS. Contrary to the original expectations, mice with combined mutations of AKT1 and KRAS may contribute to the accentuated diabetic phenotype by targeting two different points in the AKT and KRAS protein signaling pathways. The information can help understand the relationship between glucose metabolism, diabetes, and pancreatic cancer development. By thoroughly studying the interactions between targets in the AKT1/KRAS signaling pathways, key molecular events that induce metabolic changes and potentially early biomarkers may lead to an improved understanding of risk and/or detection of pancreatic cancer.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: CFH2000273, ucf:45895
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000273

Title: YOGA'S EFFECT ON QUALITY OF LIFE IN BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS.
Creator: Licata, Nicole M, Loerzel, Victorial, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the world with approximately 1.7 million new cases diagnosed in 2012. While women with breast cancer are treated with a multitude of different therapies, these treatments can lead to long-term effects that impact quality of life (i.e. fatigue, pain, lymphedema, anxiety, depression, osteoporosis). With more people looking into complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), research on yoga�s effect on quality of life in breast cancer...
Show moreBackground: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the world with approximately 1.7 million new cases diagnosed in 2012. While women with breast cancer are treated with a multitude of different therapies, these treatments can lead to long-term effects that impact quality of life (i.e. fatigue, pain, lymphedema, anxiety, depression, osteoporosis). With more people looking into complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), research on yoga�s effect on quality of life in breast cancer survivors is vital. Methods: This literature synthesis used PsychINFO, MEDLINE, and CINAHL explore current research on yoga's effects on quality of life in breast cancer survivors. Search terms included: breast cancer, survivor, quality of life, lifestyle, wellbeing, clinical trial, and controlled trial. Literature was excluded if it included men, women under cancer treatment and if yoga was included in a mindfulness intervention. Results: Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria. Yoga was shown to have a positive impact on fatigue, pain, anxiety, depression, and breast cancer survivors' quality of life. A majority of the studies measured quality of life using the FACT-B and FACT-G scale. Others used similar measurement tools and qualitative journal entries. Specific studies indicated improvements in aromatase-inhibitor associated arthralgia, diurnal salivary cortisol levels, and menopausal symptoms. Conclusions: Yoga appears to be beneficial in improving breast cancer survivor's quality of life. More research is needed. However, nurses can use this information to educate clients about the benefit of yoga in survivorship. This research may promote further utilization of CAM in improving quality of life.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000036, ucf:45593
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000036

Title: MENTAL HEALTH INTERVENTIONS FOR ADOLESCENT CANCER PATIENTS.
Creator: Faherty, Kelsey A, Loerzel, Victoria, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Background: According to the National Cancer Institute (2017) approximately 15,270 individuals' ages 0 to 19 years would be diagnosed with cancer in 2017. Although pediatric cancer survival rates continue to rise, there are high rates of anxiety, fear, and depression amongst this population. The purpose of this literature review was to explore mental health interventions for adolescent cancer patients. Methodology: A total of 165 articles were found in a literature search. Databases used...
Show moreBackground: According to the National Cancer Institute (2017) approximately 15,270 individuals' ages 0 to 19 years would be diagnosed with cancer in 2017. Although pediatric cancer survival rates continue to rise, there are high rates of anxiety, fear, and depression amongst this population. The purpose of this literature review was to explore mental health interventions for adolescent cancer patients. Methodology: A total of 165 articles were found in a literature search. Databases used include: CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Cochrane Center Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Clinical Answers, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO. As results were further narrowed based on relevance and set limiters a total of 7 articles were used for the purpose of this review. Results: Multiple interventions were used in the purpose of this review including therapeutic play, animal-assisted activities, complementary and alternative medicine interventions, and coping and stress reduction interventions. Interventions used significantly decreased anxiety, fear, and depression amongst adolescent cancer patients. Conclusion: One intervention was not more successful than another. Interventions that included participants in their plan of care, promoted normalcy, and were developmentally appropriate were successful at decreasing anxiety, depression, and fear in adolescent cancer patients.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000365, ucf:45791
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000365

Title: SCREENING FOR ANTICANCER AGENTS TO INHIBIT MITOTIC KINASES AND PROLIFERATION OF METASTATIC PROSTATE CANCER CELLS.
Creator: Nguyen, Khoa, Chakrabarti, Ratna, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Current treatments for prostate cancer (PCa) are marred with high relapse frequency and development of progressively aggressive cancers; developing new treatment options for PCa remains crucial. In this project, a series of synthetic compounds based on natural products will be screened to identify inhibitors for Aurora-A kinase (Aur-A). Aur-A facilitates centrosome separation and bipolar spindle formation during mitosis. Aur-A is overexpressed in metastatic PCa cells, and is a good candidate...
Show moreCurrent treatments for prostate cancer (PCa) are marred with high relapse frequency and development of progressively aggressive cancers; developing new treatment options for PCa remains crucial. In this project, a series of synthetic compounds based on natural products will be screened to identify inhibitors for Aurora-A kinase (Aur-A). Aur-A facilitates centrosome separation and bipolar spindle formation during mitosis. Aur-A is overexpressed in metastatic PCa cells, and is a good candidate for targeted therapies. Compound libraries are designed using natural compounds that contain simple structural elements as starting points for developing drug like libraries. High-throughput screening of these libraries will be used to identify potent antimitotic agents that selectively affect cancer cells but not normal cells. A combination of in vitro protein assays � quantifying protein activity � cell-based assays � measuring cell growth and proliferation � and cell-reporter assays � to determine which metabolic pathway the compound affects � were used to identify potential inhibitors. Through these methods, we have identified several compounds, with special consideration to thiazole piperazine compounds, to successfully inhibit proliferation of metastatic PCa cells.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000103, ucf:45549
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000103

Title: POLYAMINE TRANSPORT INHIBITOR EFFECTS ON PANCREATIC CANCER PROLIFERATION CELLS IN VIVO.
Creator: Hogan, Frederick, Altomare, Deborah, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Pancreatic cancer is a serious disease, one in which the survival rate over five years is less than 6%. (1) Often, malignant tumors will exhibit uncontrolled proliferation and it is postulated that they have high metabolic needs. One of the areas of interest in cancer metabolism is the unique need for large amounts of polyamines in order to sustain this uncontrolled proliferation. Polyamines are organic compounds that all cells need for proliferation and differentiation. (2) Cells obtain...
Show morePancreatic cancer is a serious disease, one in which the survival rate over five years is less than 6%. (1) Often, malignant tumors will exhibit uncontrolled proliferation and it is postulated that they have high metabolic needs. One of the areas of interest in cancer metabolism is the unique need for large amounts of polyamines in order to sustain this uncontrolled proliferation. Polyamines are organic compounds that all cells need for proliferation and differentiation. (2) Cells obtain polyamines by manufacture of them directly or obtain them from the environment through their transport across the cell membrane. When cancer cells have limited access to polyamines they enter apoptosis, or controlled cell death. In animal models of cancer, cellular apoptosis can be tracked by measuring tumor weights as well as histological methods. It is known that difluromethylornithine (DFMO), a polyamine synthesis inhibitor, has shown some success in reducing tumor weights. (3) Cells deprived of the ability to manufacture polyamines will resort to transporting existing polyamines from the environment for their use. (3) It is believed that a polyamine transport inhibitor (PTI) can be designed and used in conjunction with DFMO to completely deprive cancer cells of polyamines and increase rates of apoptosis in tumor cells. Through this study the interaction of DFMO with newly identified PTI will be analyzed. A mouse model with tumor cells in the pancreas will give a picture of how cancer cells react to DFMO / PTI in vivo. The findings allow us to postulate how targeted compounds interact with protein signaling pathways that may be important for regulating response to inhibitors of polyamine synthesis and/or transport.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFH0004749, ucf:45395
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004749

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quality of life (4)	+ -
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