Researchers awarded $1.5M to Explore Pregnancy Outcomes in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors

UTHealth Houston School of Public Health researchers have been awarded $1.5 million from the Department of Defense to explore pregnancy outcomes in adolescent and young adult (AYAs) cancer survivors. This groundbreaking study aims to address reproductive health concerns of AYAs — individuals diagnosed with cancer between 15-39 years old. 

Led by Caitlin Murphy, PhD, associate professor of health promotion and behavioral sciences and co-founder of the AYA STAR (Scholarship, Training, and Research) Lab, researchers will examine severe maternal morbidity and mortality in AYAs. Many cancer survivors reported growing anxieties and fears related to pregnancy, influencing their decisions to pursue parenthood. Despite these concerns, the question of "What are the chances of a healthy pregnancy after cancer?" remains unanswered due to a critical research gap on cancer survivorship. 

“Cancer can negatively affect AYAs’ reproductive health because they were diagnosed and received cancer treatment during childbearing years. Many AYAs report having a healthy pregnancy and children after cancer are top concerns – for some AYAs, these concerns are greater concerns than cancer.” 

Project PEGASUS (Pregnancy Complications in AYA Cancer Survivors), funded by a Patient Well-Being and Survivorship Award, will investigate potential pregnancy risks using 30 years of recorded data from the Texas Cancer Registry. PEGASUS will connect cancer data with birth and fetal death certificates, along with information from the Texas All Payor Claims Database. Through this project design, researchers will gain insight into AYAs experiences through one on one interviews, providing valuable insights into their lived experiences with cancer survivorship. 

Murphy and the team will establish a PEGASUS Advisory Council comprised of AYAs, health care specialists, and a patient advocate to understand this group's needs further. Guided by the council, researchers will develop tailored recommendations to support AYAs deciding to begin parenthood. 

"Our findings will inform risk assessment and counseling for AYAs making decisions about pregnancy and parenthood after cancer while also navigating long-term and late effects of treatment," said Murphy, principal investigator on the impact of the study.  
 
By addressing research gaps, Project PEGASUS aims to improve outcomes for AYA cancer survivors and other at-risk populations. 

Co-investigators on the study include faculty from the Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences: Aubree Shay, PhD, associate professor; Marlyn Allicock, PhD, associate professor; and Andrea Betts, PhD, assistant professor.