Biopsychosocial Mechanisms & Health Outcomes Lab

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New Role

Our Principal Investigator, Dr. Frank Penedo has been named Associate Director for Population Sciences. In his new role, Dr. Penedo is responsible for guiding Sylvester’s population science initiatives and shaping its vision. Dr. Penedo will report to the Cancer Center Director and work closely with Research Program leaders to promote interdisciplinary research, particularly addressing cancer disparities within Sylvester's diverse catchment area.

Grants & Awards

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is using a $4 million grant for a study of an evidence-based survivorship care education program. Sylvester is collaborating with 14 Health Choice Network primary clinics for the study.
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Research & Innovation

Avanzando Caminos is a study that looks to identify factors that drive poor health outcomes among Hispanics following cancer treatments. Dr. Frank Penedo is investigating why Hispanics are less likely to achieve quality-of-life levels comparable to what they had before cancer by focusing on the impact of contextual, cultural and psychosocial factors on health after cancer treatment.

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Research & Innovation

A new initiative at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, a part of UHealth – University of Miami Health System, offers people at high risk for cancer personalized lifestyle modifications and support programs aimed at reducing their risk

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New Research

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and the University of Miami Frost School of Music are collaboratively studying the impact of music therapy and mindfulness in cancer care.
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eHealth Stress Management for Pancreatic Cancer Survivors

Dr. Fleszar-Pavlović and co-principal investigators Frank Penedo, Ph.D., and Nipun Merchant, M.D., recently received a $600,000, two-year U.S. Department of Defense grant to study how a technology-based psychosocial stress management tool can positively impact the lives of pancreatic cancer survivors.

Also of Interest

The BMHO Program advances knowledge in four broad themes of inquiry: Behavioral and Psychosocial Processes in Health and Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs), Sociocultural Determinants of Health, and Biobehavioral Mechanisms & Chronic Disease Management Interventions. The platform for this work involves prospective observational and intervention studies in cancer, CVD and HIV/AIDS that address: multiple pathways (social, biological, psychosocial) in health outcomes; health care delivery and health services; biopsychoscial and sociocultural mechanisms in the context of primary and secondary prevention of CVD, and cancer survivorship; and technology based and electronic medical record integrated assessment and intervention studies that target symptom burden and toxicity management in cancer. Most studies involve a biobehavioral component with emphasis on endocrine regulation, inflammatory & angiogenic pathways, immunocompetence, and gene x environment interactions. Our work emphasizes several methods including ecosocial and biopsychosocial approaches; CBT, mindfulness and stress management interventions; technology implementation; translational and team science; and advanced statistical methods.

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Also of Interest

Sylvester Survivorship and Supportive Care Institute

 

Also of Interest

The Sylvester Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care Institute is a new, specialized center dedicated to improving the lives of cancer survivors and their families. Our mission is to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care, conduct innovative research, and offer extensive education and outreach.

Right now, nearly 19 million Americans are living as cancer survivors, and this number is projected to grow to over 22 million within a decade. While improved detection and treatment are excellent news for survival, many survivors face chronic side effects, challenges to their emotional well-being, and fragmented care. Our Institute was created to bridge this gap.

Establishing this Institute centralizes efforts, which elevates Sylvester as a national leader in evidence-based survivorship and supportive care while also advancing research, education and community engagement.

 

Also of Interest

4th Annual Cancer Survivorship Symposium Marks Milestone With Unveiling of the Sylvester Survivorship and Supportive Care Institute

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Tackling Cancer Survivors’ Complex Care Needs

The number of cancer survivors in the U.S. is projected to grow by 24%, to nearly 23 million, by 2032.

Most survivors need complex care to adjust to treatment, prevent future cancers and address physical and psychosocial symptoms that can linger years—even decades—after diagnosis.

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Survivorship Care Pillars

According to Dr. Penedo, survivorship care must include, but is not limited to, screening for recurrence or secondary cancers, psychosocial services, lifestyle medicine (including nutrition and exercise) and rehabilitation.
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Cancer Survivorship Pogram

Cancer Supportive Care

Cancer Survivorship and Translational Behavioral Sciences

Cancer Survivorship News

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