Kristin Dickinson

Summary

Dr. Dickinson’ program of research focuses on oncology symptom science and supportive care. Her work centers on two main areas: symptom science and lifestyle-based interventions.

1. Symptom Science: Dr. Dickinson’s research in this area primarily targets cancer-related fatigue. She aims to better define the cancer-related fatigue phenotype, understand its biological correlates, and create personalized interventions for management. Her work explores the role of mitochondrial function and oxidative stress in cancer-related fatigue, particularly in men undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer. She is also focused on better defining the different dimensions of cancer-related fatigue. To assist with this, she and her team developed a multidimensional fatigue questionnaire, currently undergoing psychometric testing, which they hope to use in clinical settings to guide fatigue management. Additionally, Dr. Dickinson is developing self-management strategies to help people with cancer better manage their fatigue to improve their overall quality of life.
2. Lifestyle-Based Interventions: Dr. Dickinson’s research in this area centers on reducing sedentary behavior in older adults living with or beyond cancer. She investigates the patterns, contexts, and factors influencing sedentary behavior in this population. Her goal is to develop targeted behavioral interventions that encourage less sitting, ultimately improving health outcomes and quality of life for older adults with cancer.