Lily Nederhood
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Bradley Zebrack
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Social Work / Social Work
Program: UROPF
Session: Session 5 (2:40pm – 3:30pm)
Authors: Lily Nederhood, Bradley Zebrack
Abstract
Though cancer research is a well-established field, there is little knowledge surrounding the specific population of Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer survivors (ages 18-39). These patients respond to disease differently and exist in a unique life stage with unique social genetic contributors. This 5 year study aims to draw a connection between the emerging field of social genomics and AYA survivors of either Hodgkin’s or Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphomas. The expanding field of social genomics seeks to evaluate genetic impacts of an individual’s environment and possible associated negative risk factors. Using data from a patient survey collected every 6 months for 24 months, participants’ environmental risk and resilience factors will be assessed. At the same intervals, they will provide a blood sample that is sent to UCLA for analysis of the CTRA pathway, which, when upregulated, is associated with increased expression of pro-inflammatory genes and decreased expression of genes that promote antiviral responses in the body. Survey results and coordination will be tracked via Excel spreadsheets throughout the study’s duration, while final results will be assessed using mediation analyses, descriptive statistics, and linear mixed models. Outcomes of this study are anticipated to 1) Identify the genome-wide transcriptional impact of social-environmental risk factors, 2) Identify the genome-wide transcriptional impact of social-environmental resilience factors, 3) Identify the genome-wide molecular correlates of vulnerable populations, as structured by race/ethnicity, sexual/gender identity, rurality/urbanity, and define the relationships of those genomic profiles to AYA survivor health outcomes. Furthermore, the specific age group targeted by this study is known to communicate via social media and internet platforms. The study aims to make the research process and the science behind it accessible and adequately understood by participants, who come from varying educational backgrounds, via social media promotion of the study, website explanations, and videos. The hypothesized results of the study aim to benefit this population by providing more information about the effects of diseases on AYAs, which can prompt potential new treatments or new approaches to long-term treatment, and contributing to creating a community among AYA cancer survivors.
