Research Areas
- Cancer Psychoneuroimmunology
- Impact of Biobehavioral Factors in Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Cancer Immunology
- Cancer Biology
- Psycho-oncology
- Drivers of cancer-related health outcomes
- Student and Workforce Development in Biomedical Sciences
Scientific Achievements
- Identified β-adrenergic and glucocorticoid pathways in ovarian cancer as potential therapeutic targets.
- Uncovered mechanisms linking chronic stress with inflammation, tumor growth, and metastasis, supporting drug repurposing in oncology.
- Co-led NIH-funded studies on biobehavioral factors and mental health in cancer survivors (>250 participants in Puerto Rico and the U.S.).
- Advanced community-engaged research on cancer outcomes through multi- site NIH collaborations.
- Mentored over 50 trainees who pursued careers in research, clinical practice, biotech, and academia.
- Secured multiple NIH local, and private grants, strengthening PHSU/PRI’s leadership in cancer and population health research.
- Contributed 60+ peer-reviewed publications and reviews shaping stress biology and cancer disparities.
Funding
RCMI Funding:
- U54MD007579-34 NIHMD- PHSU Specialized Center in Health Disparities “Biopsychosocial predictors of tumor-associated inflammation and progression” 2019-2024.
Other Funding obtained with RCMI support:
- R21CA253555 NCI “Adrenergic Signaling Inhibition to Enhance the Immunogenicity of the Ovarian Tumor Microenvironment Prior to PD-1 Checkpoint Therapy.”
- U01CA290613 NIH OD-NCI “Mental Health CPR: Transforming Cancer Survivors’ Mental Health with Community Participatory Reach for Equity.”
- R01CA276224-A1 NCI “The Role of behavioral factors and anti-inflammatory medications on the ovarian tumor immune response".
Scientific Advance
Stress hormones are associated with inflammatory cytokines and attenuation of T-cell function in the ascites from patients with high grade serous ovarian cancer.
Aquino-Acevedo AN, Knochenhauer H, Castillo-Ocampo Y, Ortiz-León M, Rivera-López YA, Morales-López C, Cruz-Robles ME, Hernández-Cordero ER, Russell S, Whitaker R, Bonilla Claudio M, Chen DT, Dutil J, Gaillard SL, Yi JS, Previs RA, Armaiz-Pena GN. Brain Behav Immun Health. PMID: 36439058; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC9694096
Aquino-Acevedo AN, Knochenhauer H, Castillo-Ocampo Y, Ortiz-León M, Rivera-López YA, Morales-López C, Cruz-Robles ME, Hernández-Cordero ER, Russell S, Whitaker R, Bonilla Claudio M, Chen DT, Dutil J, Gaillard SL, Yi JS, Previs RA, Armaiz-Pena GN. Brain Behav Immun Health. PMID: 36439058; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC9694096
This study examined how stress impacts women with ovarian cancer. Our research team measured stress-related hormones in samples from patients with ovarian cancer and found that higher levels of these hormones were associated with increased inflammation. Our group also found that stress signals could weaken immune cells that typically help fight cancer. In mouse models, stress caused tumors to grow faster and further impaired the body’s defenses. These findings suggest that stress not only affects mental health but can also directly promote ovarian cancer growth, indicating new ways to support patients by addressing both physical and mental health.
NCI #R21CA253555, #U54CA163071, #U54CA163068, NIMHD #U54MD007579, AAA, YAR, and ERHC-supported by NIGMS #R25GM082406, AAA additionally supported by NCI (Administrative Supplement to R21CA253555) and the Intellectus Foundation. SR supported by the NCI #K00CA234942, RAP also supported by NIH #1K12HD103083. MBC partially supported by the NIMHD #R25MD007607).
