Principal Investigator: Charles S. Cleeland, PhD

For more information, contact:
Research Coordinator: Margaret T. Harle, RN

The purpose of this study is to observe and describe changes in cortical perfusion, cognitive function, fatigue, and functional status in cancer patients with treatment related anemia.

Our specific goals are:

1) To determine the potential changes in cortical perfusion that are related to changes in treatment-related anemia

2) To determine the cognitive changes that are related to changes in treatment-related anemia using neuropsychological tests

3) To develop image-based indicators for the intervention in treatment-related anemia

4) To describe the modification of cerebral function caused by treatment-related anemia, in order to develop new treatments for this condition

5) To measure patients' perceptions of fatigue and functional status when they are experiencing treatment-related anemia

Methods

Patients with hematological malignancies will be studied at three different time points: at baseline, when they are anemic (hemoglobin < 9), and when their anemia has improved.

Design
This is a within-subjects longitudinal design with each patient serving as his or her own control.

Measures
Cortical perfusion will be measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Cognitive assessment will be conducted using a battery of neuropsychological tests. Functional status will be measured using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 12 (SF-12). Fatigue will be measured using the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI).