Grant Number:	5R21CA280994-02 Interpret this number
Primary Investigator:	Winters-Stone, Kerri
Organization:	Oregon Health & Science University
Project Title:	The Pacific Aging and Cancer Studies (PACS): an Infrastructure Advancing the Use of Digital Biomarkers and Related Technologies for Research on Functional Aging and Survivorship in Cancer
Fiscal Year:	2024

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT By for speed survivors. 2040, the proportion of cancer survivors who are over 65 years of age will rise to 73% and most will survive 5 years or longer 1 . Cancer treatment an accelerate aging and cause new impairments that ogether can the trajectory of functional losses and hasten the onset of dependence and disability among older c t The number of older cancer survivors at risk of functional declines that can lead to significant impairment and disability creates an urgent public health concern. To be characteristics address these urgent problems more must known about trajectories of functional aging and how they vary with different cancers, treatments, and host and how they interact with varying risk and protective factors.A major limitation to research in cancer and aging is the lack of ready methods to capture longitudinal and multi-dimensional trajectories of functional aging across the continuum of cancer. Recent advances across a range of digital technologies, including wearable devices, unobtrusive sensors, and passive data collection applications would provide a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the presentation and progression of functional aging trajectories in older cancer survivors. Dedicated research infrastructures are needed to fully realize the potential of digital technologies in aging and cancer research. NOT-CA-22-030 outlines NCI's participation in PA-20-070 Research Infrastructure Development for Interdisciplinary Aging Studies calling for R21/R33 projects that propose developing requiring or scaling up a novel research infrastructure that will advance the science of cancer and aging interdisciplinary collaborations . In direct response to these funding calls, we proposea R21/R33 project to build an infrastructure advancing the use of digital biomarkers and related technologies for research on functional aging and survivorship in cancer. We have assembled a highly productive and collaborative transdisciplinary team of investigators with expertise in cancer survivorship, geroscience and aging, digital technology, hematology-oncology, and biostatistics. For this R21/R33 phased innovation award our transdisciplinary team proposes the following two milestone-based projects: R21 project: Adapt a digital technology platform for assessing functional aging in older cancer survivors and care partners by: Aim 1) assembling a community advisory board for stakeholder input; Aim 2) conducting a mixed-methods study to learn about stakeholder utilization and perceptions on digital technologies and Aim 3) creating a trial-ready and fully remote digital assessment protocol designed to maximize stakeholder engagement and retention. R33 project: Establish the ability of digital biomarkers to detect meaningful change in multiple domains of functioning during systemic cancer treatment by: Aim 1) conducting a proof-of concept longitudinal study in older patients and their spouse care partners during systemic cancer treatment associated with functional decline and Aim 2) developing and disseminating a set of digital tools and best practices for engagement and retention of older patients with cancer and their spouse care partners in longitudinal research using digital technology.





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