The American Cancer Society awards $217,500 to Pennington Biomedical researcher for study on how aerobic exercise impacts colorectal cancer survivors

The American Cancer Society, or ACS, the largest non-government, non-profit funding source of cancer research in the United States, has approved funding for $28 million in new Extramural Discovery Science research and career development grants. The awards will fund investigators at institutions across the United States starting in July 2024. 

Local researcher, Stephanie Compton, Ph.D., RD, LDN, was awarded $217,500 to research the impact of aerobic exercise on postprandial glycemic control and ectopic adipose tissue deposition in colorectal cancer survivors.  Dr. Compton will conduct her study at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge from July 2024 through June 2027.

“I am grateful and honored to have received this award from the American Cancer Society,” said Dr. Compton. “My goal is to study how lifestyle changes can help cancer survivors survive and thrive after diagnosis, and this award makes this possible. This research will help us understand more about how exercise can benefit survivors.”

“Congratulations to Dr. Stephanie Compton on this award and important partnership with the American Cancer Society,” said Dr. John Kirwan, Executive Director of Pennington Biomedical. “Dr. Compton is part of the team in our Cancer Metabolism Research Program, and we all share the vision of the program to live in a world where no one develops or dies from a cancer that is caused by obesity, diabetes, poor nutrition, or physical inactivity.”

Colorectal cancer survivors are at higher risk of developing health conditions like type 2 diabetes following cancer treatment. As a result, high blood sugar from type 2 diabetes can contribute to the development of other health conditions like heart disease, affecting a survivor’s overall quality of life. Dr. Compton’s study is seeking to improve the lives of cancer survivors by understanding how aerobic exercise may reduce the risk of developing other health conditions following cancer treatment. 

“We are very proud to award this grant to Stephanie for her critically important research project that will help to improve the lives of cancer survivors,” said Amy Williams, Associate Director, Louisiana Cancer Center Partnerships at the American Cancer Society. “Scientists like, Stephanie, have dedicated their lives to increasing our understanding of ways to improve the lives of cancer patients and survivors and we look forward to partnering with them in our collective mission to help save lives.” 

ACS seeks to improve the lives of cancer patients, families, and caregivers through research, patient services, and advocacy. These awards require fundamental, preclinical, clinical, population, and implementation/dissemination research as well as multidisciplinary team science to tackle the complexities of cancers and cancer care.

About the American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. For more than 110 years, we have been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support.  We are committed to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org or call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345. Connect with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

About the Pennington Biomedical Research Center

The Pennington Biomedical Research Center is at the forefront of medical discovery as it relates to understanding the triggers of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia. Pennington Biomedical has the vision to lead the world in promoting metabolic health and eliminating metabolic disease through scientific discoveries that create solutions from cells to society. The center conducts basic, clinical, and population research, and is a campus of the LSU System.

The research enterprise at Pennington Biomedical includes over 530 employees within a network of 44 clinics and research laboratories, and 13 highly specialized core service facilities. Its scientists and physician/scientists are supported by research trainees, lab technicians, nurses, dietitians, and other support personnel. Pennington Biomedical is a state-of-the-art research facility on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge.

For more information, see www.pbrc.edu.