Diet and Nutrition for Managing Cancer Symptoms

Speakers

Melinda Irwin, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Associate Dean of Research
Susan Dwight Bliss Professor of Epidemiology (Chronic Diseases)
Yale School of Public Health

Biography

Dr. Melinda L. Irwin is the Susan Dwight Bliss Professor of Epidemiology and Associate Dean of Research at the Yale School of Public Health, Deputy Director of the Yale Cancer Center, and Deputy Director (Public Health) in the Yale Center for Clinical Investigation. 

Her research over the past 20 years has focused on randomized trials of exercise and weight loss on biological markers, treatment side effects and quality of life in people diagnosed with cancer. She is currently leading an NCI-funded clinical trial examining the impact of nutrition and exercise on improving chemotherapy completion rate, endocrine therapy adherence, biomarkers, body composition and quality of life in women beginning chemotherapy for breast cancer and also leading a newly funded NCI U01 trial of exercise and nutrition on treatment outcomes in women newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Luke J. Peppone, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Surgery
University of Rochester Medical Center

Biography

Dr. Luke J. Peppone is the Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He earned his doctoral degree in Epidemiology and Community from Social and Preventative Medicine at SUNY Buffalo.

Dr. Peppone's research focuses on the use of nutritional supplementation and exercise to treat the symptoms and side effects of cancer and its related treatment. Nutritional supplements of interest for his research include vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and guarana. Forms of exercise of interest for his research include aerobic activity, resistance training, yoga, and Tai Chi. Dr. Peppone has investigated various side effects including cancer-treatment-induced bone loss, arthralgias, fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and sleep problems.

Point of Contact

Rachel Altshuler, Ph.D.
Email: rachel.altshuler@nih.gov