Illinois CancerCare Foundation Announces Local Grant Funding
Peoria, IL October 6, 2014 – The Illinois CancerCare Foundation is pleased to announce grant funding in the amount of $37,982 to the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IPMR) to study the effects of taxane chemotherapy on balance in breast cancer patients. The purpose of this study is to quantify the balance impairments during and after taxane chemotherapy. Disability due to balance impairments caused by chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) can cause falls, injury, decline in independence, and self-limitation of activity, all of which can result in greater morbidity and mortality, not to mention diminished quality of life.
There is limited study data available on balance in taxane patients, and previous studies limit observation to only one point in time. This longitudinal study can quantify the impact of taxane chemotherapy on balance during and after treatment. Study results can be used to direct the development of a larger interventional study assessing the effects of rehabilitation interventions on functional disability due to CIPN. Such a study would be worthy of influencing changes in clinical practice to minimize disability from balance dysfunction before, during, and after chemotherapy, and thus maximizing function and quality of life during and after cancer treatment.
About Illinois CancerCare Foundation
The Illinois CancerCare Foundation is committed to supporting research, education and awareness of a disease that affects 1 in 3 people. The Foundation funds clinical research trials, regardless of the level of federal funding available, to expand the number of patients enrolling in clinical trials toward discovery of improved treatment and therapy options, and ultimately cures, for many types of cancer. Funds also support cancer education, awareness, and patient assistance through special programs that reach patients in need. As we fight to discover cures through nationally recognized research initiatives, it is our strong belief that our patients must have available to them every possible weapon in their battle. For more information, visit illinoiscancer.com.
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