Overview
The Section of Pediatric Population Science, Outcomes, and Disparities Research, within the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and the New Jersey Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Research Center of Excellence (NJ PHORCE) at Rutgers Cancer Institute, aims to improve outcomes and reduce disparities for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult populations with cancer or blood disorders.
Major research themes include identifying risk and protective factors for poorer outcomes among cancer survivors or youth with sickle cell disease, and developing and evaluating interventions to improve psychosocial outcomes across the cancer trajectory and healthcare transitions. Research projects consider multilevel factors contributing to disparities and employ a family-centered approach to improving outcomes and reducing disease burden.
Our Mission
To advance impactful research in pediatric hematology/oncology and improve the lives of all children and families with hematology/oncology conditions using collaborative, transdisciplinary, evidence-based research.
Project Highlight:
Mapping the Crisis: Identifying Triggers and Protective Factors in Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) Living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a new study that looks at how self-reported triggers and protective factors affect the patterns, severity, and lived experience of acute pain crises among AYAs with SCD. This study seeks to understand how pain triggers and resilience resources influence acute pain crises and will inform interventions for pain.
Programs & Activities
Rutgers Youth Enjoy Science (RUYES) Program
LITE Survivorship Education Night
An annual in-person event for survivors and their families. Every June, "LITE Night" provides research updates, highlights an educational topic, features a panel of survivors, and presents an opportunity for survivors and their families to connect.