Melissa Y. Carpentier, PhD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine, seeks career development support to become an independent investigator in behavioral oncology and population sciences. Her long-term goals involve advancing models of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors'adjustment to cancer and assessing the impact of interventions on long-term adjustment and quality of life among AYA survivors. Short- term goals of this award include specialized training in: (1) genetics, biology, and clinical aspects of testicular cancer;(2) general developmental tasks of adolescence and young adulthood;(3) instrument development and validation;and (4) translation of research findings into intervention strategies. Acquisition of these specialized skill sets will take place through formal coursework and seminars;practical, directed learning, and educational experiences;and mentored research under the guidance of a multidisciplinary team of experts. Two phases of research are proposed. Phase 1 will consist of developing and testing a new instrument, based on the Romantic Self-Concept Questionnaire, that identifies romantic predictors of quality of life in AYA testicular cancer survivors. Phase 2 will utilize Phase 1 findings to develop and test acceptability, as well as obtain preliminary effect sizes, of a tailored, web-based pilot intervention to improve romantic competence in unpartnered AYA testicular cancer survivors. Completion of the proposed application will provide important data necessary to further refine our intervention for subsequent evaluation in a larger, national randomized controlled trial through the RO1 mechanism. The planned scientific training and expert mentorship will position the candidate to fill this need in behavioral oncology and population sciences and simultaneously become an independent investigator with a specific focus on adolescents and young adult oncology. This research proposal is aligned with NCI's 2009 strategic objectives to improve quality of life for cancer survivors and understand the factors that influence cancer outcomes.

Public Health Relevance

The proposed research plan will provide important information on how testicular cancer impacts the critical period of adolescence and young adulthood, a period typically characterized by romantic involvement. This information will be used to guide the development and evaluation of an intervention to improve romantic competence with a group of unpartnered survivors at-risk for poor relationships and quality of life.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Academic/Teacher Award (ATA) (K07)
Project #
1K07CA140159-01A1
Application #
7893936
Study Section
Subcommittee G - Education (NCI)
Program Officer
Perkins, Susan N
Project Start
2010-08-19
Project End
2011-01-10
Budget Start
2010-08-19
Budget End
2011-01-10
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$57,179
Indirect Cost
Name
Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis
Department
Pediatrics
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
603007902
City
Indianapolis
State
IN
Country
United States
Zip Code
46202
Shay, L Aubree; Carpentier, Melissa Y; Vernon, Sally W (2016) Prevalence and correlates of fear of recurrence among adolescent and young adult versus older adult post-treatment cancer survivors. Support Care Cancer 24:4689-96
Carpentier, Melissa Y; Vernon, Sally W; Bartholomew, L Kay et al. (2013) Receipt of recommended surveillance among colorectal cancer survivors: a systematic review. J Cancer Surviv 7:464-83
Carpentier, Melissa Y; Tiro, Jasmin A; Savas, Lara S et al. (2013) Are cancer registries a viable tool for cancer survivor outreach? A feasibility study. J Cancer Surviv 7:155-63
Hamann, Heidi A; Tiro, Jasmin A; Sanders, Joanne M et al. (2013) Validity of self-reported genetic counseling and genetic testing use among breast cancer survivors. J Cancer Surviv 7:624-9
Aalsma, Matthew C; Carpentier, Melissa Y; Azzouz, Faouzi et al. (2012) Longitudinal effects of health-harming and health-protective behaviors within adolescent romantic dyads. Soc Sci Med 74:1444-51
Murphy, Caitlin C; Bartholomew, L Kay; Carpentier, Melissa Y et al. (2012) Adherence to adjuvant hormonal therapy among breast cancer survivors in clinical practice: a systematic review. Breast Cancer Res Treat 134:459-78
Popham, Karyn; Calo, William A; Carpentier, Melissa Y et al. (2012) Reporting guidelines: optimal use in preventive medicine and public health. Am J Prev Med 43:e31-42
Carpentier, Melissa Y; Fortenberry, J Dennis; Ott, Mary A et al. (2011) Perceptions of masculinity and self-image in adolescent and young adult testicular cancer survivors: implications for romantic and sexual relationships. Psychooncology 20:738-45
Carpentier, Melissa Y; Fortenberry, J Dennis (2010) Romantic and sexual relationships, body image, and fertility in adolescent and young adult testicular cancer survivors: a review of the literature. J Adolesc Health 47:115-25