Trial Information

Epigenetic Factors Associated With Symptoms and Complications of Chronic Disorders

Advancements in breast cancer have resulted in increased survival rates; however, many women
with breast cancer experience distressing symptoms. Inflammatory activation and epigenetic
alterations have been associated with the etiology of cancer. To date, no investigators
have considered these epigenetic processes as possible mechanisms associated with the
etiology of distressing symptoms in women with breast cancer. The specific aims of this
study are to examine:

1. The frequency and severity of psychoneurological (PN) symptoms (depressive symptoms,
anxiety, sleep disturbances, fatigue, pain and cognitive dysfunction)and the
interrelationship among PN symptoms at each time point

2. Levels of inflammation and to quantify the frequency and genome-wide location of
changes in epigenetic patterns across time following chemotherapy

3. The relationship among inflammation, epigenetic changes, and the development, severity,
and persistence of PN symptoms across time The study results may potentially deepen
understanding regarding the biological processes underlying PN symptoms and lead to
improved strategies for symptom management in women with breast cancer.