Faculty Research
Return to Research
Catherine Bender, PHD, RN, FAAN
| Department: |
Health & Community Systems |
| Location: |
415 Victoria Building |
| Email: |
cbe100@pitt.edu |
| Phone: |
412-624-3594 |
Keywords:
- Chronic Disorders - Adherence
- Cognitive Function
Current Funded Research:
Bender,
C. M.
01/01/2002 - 08/31/09
Organon
A Pilot Study of a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Mirtazapine
for the Prevention of Depression Associated with High-Dose Interferon Therapy
in Patients with Melanoma
This project is a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial to explore whether pretreatment with the antidepressant, Mirtazapine, versus placebo attenuates the depression associated with high-dose alpha interferon therapy in patients with melanoma.
Bender,
C. M.
01/01/03 -12/31/09
SCHER
Cumulative Interferon Dose in Patients
with Melanoma Receiving Pretreatment
with the Antidepressant Mirtazapine
versus Placebo
The aims of this pilot study are to: 1) explore the cumulative
dose of interferon received by patients with melanoma who are pretreated with mirtazapine compared to
placebo, and 2) explore the relationship between the cumulative dose of interferon received and depression in
patients with melanoma who are pretreated with mirtazapine compared to placebo.
Bender,
C. M.
05/01/05 - 04/30/10
NCI
Cognitive Impairment Related
to Anastrozole Use in Women
Adjuvant therapy regimens containing hormonal agents such as
anastrozole with or without chemotherapy have significantly improved the cure rate for women with early stage
breast cancer. However, several negative sequelae are associated with this treatment including cognitive
impairment that may lead to a deterioration in quality of life. Pilot data suggest that cognitive impairment is
more severe and affects more cognitive domains in women who receive a hormonal agent as part of their
adjuvant therapy regimen compared to women with breast cancer who receive chemotherapy alone or no
adjuvant therapy. Cognitive impairments in women with breast cancer who receive anastrozole may include
deficits in verbal memory and psychomotor speed. Unfortunately, the study that detailed cognitive impairment
with anastrozole use was cross sectional and measured cognitive function with a limited battery an average of 36
months following the initiation of treatment.
The aims of this study are: 1) To examine and compare the effect of anastrozole on cognitive function
in four cohorts of women (n = 360; 90 per group): a) women with breast cancer who receive chemotherapy plus
anastrozole; b) women with breast cancer who receive chemotherapy alone; c) women with breast cancer who
receive anastrozole alone; and d) a healthy control group of women matched on age, race and level of education,
2) To develop a characteristic profile of women at risk for cognitive impairment. Secondary aims are to
explore: 3) The quality of life of women who receive anastrozole and whether cognitive impairment affects
quality of life in this sample, 4) Whether anastrozole adherence and changes in hormone levels are mediators of
cognitive function, and 5) Whether mood, fatigue, treatment related symptoms, and concomitant medications
are moderators of cognitive impairment and quality of life. Using a prospective, four-group, repeated measures
design, we plan to evaluate cognitive function, quality of life and potential mediators and moderators of
cognitive function at three time points; at baseline, prior to the initiation of therapy and six and 12 months postbaseline.
Repeated measures analysis, using a mixed modeling approach, logistic regression and latent variable
growth curve modeling, will be used to analyze data to address the study aims.
Bender,
C. M.
03/01/08 - 02/28/10
ONS
Predictors of Adherence to Hormonal
Therapy in Breast Cancer
This study will provide critical information about the
patient and illness/treatment factors related to nonadherence to hormonal therapy in women with breast cancer.
Our results will provide the basis for the development of rational interventions to promote adherence to the
prescribed dose and correct interval of administration for hormonal agents in women with breast cancer.
The aims of this study are to: 1) describe the pattern of adherence to hormonal therapy in women with
early stage breast cancer, 2) determine the patient and illness/treatment factors that predict medication adherence
in women with early stage breast cancer at risk for nonadherence to hormonal therapy, and 3) explore possible
moderation effects between factors and illness/treatment factors when predicting adherence to hormonal
therapies in women with early stage breast cancer at risk for nonadherence to hormonal therapy.
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