Susan K. Lutgendorf

OBJECTIVE: High-grade (HGOC) and low-grade ovarian carcinoma (LGOC) are distinct malignancies with different biological features, treatment paradigms, and life expectancies. However, differences in quality of life (QOL), sleep, and depressi…

BACKGROUND: The "Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain" (MAPP) Research Network was established by the NIDDK to better understand the pathophysiology of urologic chronic pelvic pain syndromes (UCPPS), to inform futu…

BACKGROUND: Multiple alterations in circadian rhythms have been observed in cancer patients, including the diurnal rhythm of the adrenal hormone cortisol. Diurnal cortisol alterations have been associated with cancer-related physiological p…

PURPOSE: The effects of reproductive hormones on ovarian cancer growth are not well understood. Here, we examined the effects of estrous cycle variation and specific reproductive hormones on ovarian cancer growth. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We i…

The adaptive immune response of ovarian cancer patients has been linked to survival, and is known to be impaired in the tumor microenvironment. Little is known about relationships between biobehavioral factors such as depressed mood and anx…

BACKGROUND: The modulation of immunologic activities relevant to cancer by behavioral factors, such as stress, depression, and social support, is well documented. However, associations of behavioral factors with cytokines involved in tumor …