My research program focuses on improving the quality of life, emotional well-being, and survivorship outcomes of individuals living with and beyond cancer. I have developed a collaborative program of cancer-focused behavioral and supportive oncology research that integrates psychotherapy intervention development, patient-reported outcomes, survivorship, sexual health, and aging and cancer. A central goal of this work has been to develop, test, and ultimately disseminate interventions that address important but often under-recognized consequences of cancer and its treatment. I have published over 180 peer-reviewed publications, and had consistent NIH funding. My current research is organized around two R01-funded courses of research that focus on sexual functioning after cancer treatment and the psychological impact of aging and cancer.
Sexual Functioning
Through a series of NIH-funded studies, I have examined the psychological and behavioral factors that contribute to sexual dysfunction and poor adherence to sexual rehabilitation following prostate cancer treatment. This work led to the development of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based intervention designed to reduce treatment-related avoidance and improve adherence to sexual rehabilitation. Across pilot studies and a large randomized controlled trial (n=199), this program of research has demonstrated the efficacy of addressing psychological barriers to sexual recovery and has contributed to a broader understanding of sexual health as a critical component of cancer survivorship. Collectively, this work has established a strong foundation for dissemination and implementation efforts aimed at integrating behavioral interventions for sexual rehabilitation into routine cancer care.
Cancer and Aging
A second R01-funded course of research focuses on aging and cancer. As the population ages, the majority of cancer diagnoses occur in older adults, yet many psychosocial interventions were not designed to address the unique developmental, medical, and existential challenges associated with aging and cancer. To address this gap, I developed Cancer and Aging Reflections for Elders (CARE), a geriatric-specific psychotherapy intervention that integrates developmental psychology, coping theory, and meaning-centered approaches to reduce distress and improve quality of life among older adults with cancer. This work has progressed from intervention development and pilot testing to a national multi-site randomized clinical trial and has helped establish a framework for understanding and treating the psychological impact of the combined challenges of aging and cancer. The current R01 will concluded in May 2026. To date, more than 400 participants from over 30 states have enrolled in the study, a particularly notable achievement for a psychotherapy intervention trial. Recruitment will continue through the end of 2026 with a target enrollment of 460 participants.
Within this broader aging and cancer research program, I have also led work examining the conceptualization, assessment, and treatment of depression in older adults with cancer. Through qualitative and quantitative studies, our team has demonstrated that depression often presents differently in older adults with cancer than is reflected in traditional depression measures. This work led to the development of the Older Adults with Cancer-Depression Scale (OAC-D), a novel patient-reported outcome measure specifically designed for this population. The psychometric validation of the was published in early 2026. The OAC-D has the potential to improve clinical screening, facilitate intervention research, and advance our understanding of depression among older adults with cancer.
Young Adult Testicular Cancer Survivors
In addition to these two primary research programs, I collaborate on a third line of research focused on young adult testicular cancer survivors. This work has centered on the development and testing of Goal-Focused Emotion-Regulation Therapy (GET), an intervention designed to improve emotional well-being, goal attainment, and adjustment following cancer treatment. This program extends my broader interest in psychotherapy development across the cancer continuum and addresses the unique developmental challenges faced by younger cancer survivors. Dr. Michael Hoyt at the University of California, Irvine, serves as Principal Investigator of the current R01-funded trial, which is now in its third year. I have collaborated closely with Dr. Hoyt throughout all phases of the GET research program, including conceptual development, intervention design, pilot testing, and implementation of the current randomized clinical trial. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has served as the primary recruitment site for both the pilot studies and the ongoing R01, and I plan to expand this work by opening the study at Indiana University.
Future Directions
My future research will focus on translating effective behavioral interventions into routine oncology practice through dissemination and implementation science. Building upon the success of the ACT and CARE programs, I plan to pursue implementation-focused grant applications designed to develop scalable models for integrating these interventions into cancer settings. These efforts will focus on increasing accessibility, sustainability, and adoption across diverse oncology practices.
I also plan to submit a future R01 application focused on further validation of the Older Adults with Cancer–Depression Scale (OAC-D), including evaluation of its psychometric performance across diverse cancer populations and examination of its utility as both a clinical screening tool and research outcome measure.
Another important future direction will expand my longstanding work examining cognitive outcomes among men with prostate cancer. Specifically, I am developing an R01 application to test exercise as a behavioral intervention to buffer the cognitive effects associated with androgen deprivation therapy. This work will build upon prior my studies documenting cognitive changes associated with hormonal treatment and seeks to identify practical, scalable interventions that preserve cognitive functioning and quality of life.
Supportive Oncology Research Expansion at Indiana University
A major priority during my transition to Indiana University is the expansion of these research programs within the Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center (IUSCCC). I am currently in the process of opening both the CARE trial and the GET trial at IU. Opening these studies will expand access to supportive oncology clinical trials for patients treated at IU, facilitate new interdisciplinary collaborations, and create opportunities for faculty and trainees to participate in nationally funded survivorship research. These efforts will also provide an important foundation for future multi-investigator grants focused on aging, survivorship, behavioral interventions, and quality-of-life outcomes.
As Director of the Walther Center for Supportive Oncology, I am actively working to expand supportive oncology research through recruitment of new researchers as well as expand collaborations across oncology, geriatrics, behavioral science, rehabilitation, and survivorship research.
