Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer diagnosed worldwide and is also the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women overall.  While much progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, traditional chemotherapeutic treatments can lead to the development of chemotherapeutic resistance and remains a major challenge in overall patient outcomes.

The activation of the Pregnane X Receptor (PXR) by numerous endo- and xeno-biotics, including several chemotherapeutic drugs, is known to regulate many of the metabolic pathways associated with drug metabolism and resistance. The long-term goal is to understand the transcriptional and metabolic targets of PXR in human breast cancers, and to apply this knowledge in their treatment in order to improve patient outcomes. 

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The primary aim of this project is to test the hypothesis that complementary and integrative therapies, such as Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT), clinical yoga, and other mind-body interventions will improve reported behavioral scales and laboratory measured biomarkers consistent with stress, anxiety and depression in vulnerable populations over standard treatment of care. 

Specific Aim 1: To test the hypothesis that mind-body interventions are efficacious for improving stress, anxiety and depression symptoms and health-related quality of life in vulnerable populations.

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Specific Aim 2: To test the hypothesis that clinical regimens of mind-body interventions can normalize somatic biomarkers and vital signs of stress, anxiety and depression in vulnerable populations.