The long-range goal of our research is to effectively treat and manage the most common symptom experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy or both; fatigue. To date the molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation and perpetuation of CTRF are not well established, and, the precise role of inflammatory cytokines, if any, in CTRF remains unclear. Our research program utilizes a pre-clinical and clinical approach to examine the relationship between cancer treatment, inflammatory cytokines and CTRF. This “bench to bedside” approach to understanding the cause of CTRF arises from a unique interdisciplinary collaboration among molecular, behavioral, and clinical investigators all working at various points within the spectrum of cancer research at our institution and hence, represents a major innovation in cancer symptom research.This research is funded by the following grants:

(Wood/ Hill, MPI) 7/1/11-6/30/13
Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program, Collaborative Idea Award
Cytokine response to subclinical cytomegalovirus reactivation as a cause of severe fatigue in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer.

(Wood, PI) 9/28/10-6/30/15
5R01NR012479-02, The National Institute for Nursing Research, Mechanisms of Cancer Treatment Related Symptoms.

(Winters-Stone/Wood, MPI) 2/1/12-8/31/13
1R21CA164661-01, National Cancer Institute
Influence of physical exercise on inflammatory biomarkers and adiposity in cancer survivors.