Investigators

Summary

Dr. Marci Lee Nilsen is a nurse scientist dedicated to advancing research in the realm of head and neck cancer survivorship. Her research program is centered on enhancing the quality of life and overall survival of individuals within this population by characterizing predictors and trajectories of symptoms and treatment-related effects, with a specific emphasis on pain, musculoskeletal disorders, and cognition. Dr. Nilsen’s current National Cancer Institute MERIT grant focuses on characterizing trajectories of radiation-induced fibrosis, co-occurring treatment effects, and the clinical and biological factors that impact these trajectories. Her ultimate goal is to develop tailored, patient-centered interventions aimed at mitigating these symptoms and the co-occurring adverse treatment effects that continue to impact survivors of head and neck cancer throughout their survivorship journey. Furthermore, Dr. Nilsen's work focuses on implementing evidence-based practices in resource-limited settings, aiming to deliver equitable, person-centered cancer care. She is also the co-founder and co-director of the UPMC Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Clinic.