Welcome to the Vasbinder Research Lab!
Our research team is committed to advancing scientific understanding and improving the cardiovascular health of cancer survivors. Our mission is to use cutting-edge research to address the cardiovascular risks associated with cancer treatments, develop innovative risk prediction models, and design targeted interventions that can enhance patient outcomes. Through our work, we aim to inform clinical guidelines, provide education and training to the next generation of researchers, and foster collaboration with clinical partners to ensure our findings are translated into real-world applications.
Our research focus includes 1) identifying key biomarkers for risk stratification, 2) refining risk assessment methods, 3) developing interventions that mitigate adverse cardiovascular effects in cancer survivors, and 4) promoting health equity in cancer care services. By addressing these critical issues, we aim to ensure that our research leads to improved care and increased access to cardio-oncology services, especially for underserved populations. We strive to produce findings that can directly inform clinical guidelines, policy statements, and best practices in cancer care.
Our vision is to be recognized as leaders in cardio-oncology research, driving innovation that enhances both the longevity and quality of life for cancer survivors. We aim to shape the future of cancer survivorship care by contributing to the development of evidence-based clinical guidelines and policies that improve patient outcomes on a global scale.
Our Expertise
We specialize in advanced biostatistical techniques and machine learning methods to analyze complex datasets and develop predictive models for cardiovascular risk in cancer survivors. Our team applies a range of statistical methodologies, including survival analysis, regularization methods, and machine learning algorithms, to refine risk assessment tools and improve the accuracy of identifying patients at higher risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
We utilize comprehensive national registries such as the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), and Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) to enhance our research and gain insights into large, diverse populations. These datasets allow us to study the long-term cardiovascular risks associated with cancer treatments across different demographic groups. Additionally, we work with large electronic health record (EHR) datasets like EPIC and TriNetX, integrating clinical data to provide real-world evidence for cardiovascular research. By applying advanced data analysis techniques, we combine information from various sources to build richer models and uncover actionable insights.
Our team builds prospective cohorts to investigate the long-term effects of cancer therapies on cardiovascular health. We use advanced epidemiological methods, such as causal inference techniques, to address confounding factors and better understand the causal relationships between cancer treatment and cardiovascular outcomes. By focusing on early biomarkers, we improve risk stratification and identify potential targets for intervention. We employ techniques like immunoassays, quantitative PCR (qPCR), DNA methylation, and genetic analysis to detect molecular changes that may predict cardiovascular risk. Additionally, machine learning is used to identify novel patterns in genomic and clinical data and predict cardiovascular risk based on biomarker profiles.
Our Current Research
Accelerated Aging
Our research investigates the epigenetic changes that occur during cancer treatment and their impact on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and patient functional status. By uncovering how these molecular changes influence long-term health, we aim to develop strategies that mitigate adverse outcomes and improve survivorship care.
CARE-BMT
Our research investigates the cardiovascular complications associated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), focusing on risk factors, long-term outcomes, and strategies for prevention. We aim to enhance risk prediction, improve post-transplant cardiovascular care, and optimize survivorship outcomes for HSCT recipients.
CAREFit-BMT
Our research focuses on the role of exercise prehabilitation in enhancing quality of life, physical function, and cardiovascular health for patients undergoing cancer treatment. By integrating exercise as a key component of survivorship care, our work aims to improve long-term outcomes and enhance the quality of life.