Faculty Appointments
Patient Care Settings
Cancer, Hospital Medicine
Biography
I am a geriatric oncologist and specialize in treatment of cancer in older adults as well as breast cancer. I am actively involved in research, focusing on improving outcomes for treating older patients with cancer. I understand that every person is unique and requires a different approach to care. I try my best to take the time to understand what each patient and his or her family needs – and then I strive to meet these needs. I am very passionate about what I do!
Conditions I Treat
- Cancers in older adults
- Breast cancer
Professional Background
Allison Magnuson, D.O is a Senior Instructor at the University of Rochester with dual training in both medical oncology and geriatrics. A graduate of the University of Rochester and University of New England, she completed internship and residency at the University of Connecticut before returning to Rochester for her fellowship training.
Her research interests include health outcomes in older patients with cancer, specifically improving outcomes using geriatric assessment-driven recommendations. She is also interested in exploring factors that are influential to patients and providers when developing treatment plans for older patients with cancer.
Credentials
Education
2007
DO | University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
Post-doctoral Training & Residency
08/01/2013 - 07/31/2014
Fellowship in Geriatric Medicine at Monroe Community Hospital
07/01/2011 - 07/31/2013
Fellowship in Medical Oncology at University of Rochester Medical Center
06/28/2010 - 06/27/2011
Residency in Internal Medicine at University of Connecticut Health Center
06/28/2008 - 06/27/2010
Residency in Internal Medicine at University of Connecticut Health Center
06/28/2007 - 06/27/2008
Internship in Internal Medicine at University of Connecticut Health Center
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Awards
2018
NIH Loan Repayment Award Renewal
Sponsor: NIH
2018
Selected chair, Junior Faculty Advisory Board, Cancer and Aging Research Group Infrastructure Project
Sponsor: Cancer and Aging Research Group
2016
Karron Memorial Prize for Excellence in Geriatrics
2016
NIH Loan Repayment Award
2015 - 2016
Department of Medicine Research Pilot Award
Sponsor: University of Rochester Medical Center
2015
NCI/ASCO Teams in Cancer Care – selected participant
2015
R25 Cancer Control Research Training Program Scholar
2015
Geriatric Oncology U-13 Conference, Young Investigator Travel Award
2014
Hartford Foundation Change Agent Award
2014
Hartford Center of Excellence Scholar
Sponsor: University of Rochester Division of Geriatrics
2014
American Medical Directors Association "Futures Program" Participant
2014
James P Wilmot Research Fellow Award
2013
HRSA Geriatric Research Fellow Award
Sponsor: Health Resources and Services Administration
2012
Geriatric Oncology Research to Improve Clinical Care U13 Conference Travel Award
2010
Garibaldi Humanitarianism in Medicine Award
Sponsor: University of Connecticut
2010
Chief Medical Resident
Sponsor: University of Connecticut
2008
Intern of the Year
Sponsor: University of Connecticut
2005
Sigma Sigma Phi, Osteopathic Medical Honor Society
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Clinical Trials
Mitigating Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults With Breast Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy: Memory and Attention Adaptation Training-Geriatrics (MAAT-G) Phase I
Lead Researcher: Allison Magnuson
Cancer-related cognitive dysfunction (CRCD) affects up to 75% of patients receiving chemotherapy and older adults are at greater risk of developing CRCD, which can negatively affect their functional independence and quality of life. Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT) is a promising treatment for CRCD that improves perceived cognition in younger cancer survivors, but needs to be adapted for older adults to address their unique needs. The proposed study will adapt MAAT for older adults using feedback from key stakeholders (older adults with cancer and their caregivers), and subsequently test the ability of MAAT to improve or maintain cognition for older adults with breast cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy.
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A Study in Development of a Personalized Discussion Prioritization Tool for Older Adults Considering Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
Lead Researcher: Allison Magnuson
The investigators have developed a Discussion Prioritization Tool (DPT) for older adults consider adjuvant chemotherapy that utilizes Conjoint Analysis (CA) methodology and the objective of the current study is to assess usability of this DPT in the target population, older adults with breast cancer and to adapt the tool to optimize usability for the target population.
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Mitigating Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults With Breast Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy: Memory and Attention Adaptation Training-Geriatrics (MAAT-G): A Randomized Pilot Study,Mitigating Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults With Breast Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy: Memory and Attention Adaptation Training-Geriatrics (MAAT-G): A Randomized Pilot Study
Lead Researcher: Allison Magnuson
Cancer-related cognitive dysfunction (CRCD) affects up to 75% of patients receiving chemotherapy and older adults are at greater risk of developing CRCD, which can negatively affect their functional independence and quality of life. Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT) is a promising treatment for CRCD that improves perceived cognition in younger cancer survivors, but needs to be adapted for older adults to address their unique needs. The proposed study will adapt MAAT for older adults using feedback from key stakeholders (older adults with cancer and their caregivers), and subsequently test the ability of MAAT to improve or maintain cognition for older adults with breast cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy.
View Study Details
UCCO16103: Cognitive Rehabilitation For At-Risk Older Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy: A Pilot Study Evaluating Feasibility And Impact
Lead Researcher: Allison Magnuson
In Phase I all subjects will receive cognitive rehabilitation intervention which includes, workshops and at-home computer-based cognitive training. In the phase II portion of the study, depending on the group you are assigned, you may receive cognitive rehabilitation intervention or usual care. This will help researchers develop a doable approach to cognitive rehabilitation and see if it helps reduce the risk of developing progressive cognitive impairments which is a common side effect of chemotherapy.
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Publications
Journal Articles
11/10/2022
Culakova E, Mohile SG, Peppone L, Ramsdale E, Mohamed M, Xu H, Wells M, Tylock R, Java J, Loh KP, Magnuson A, Jamieson L, Vogel V, Duberstein PR, Chapman BP, Dale W, Flannery MA. "Effects of a Geriatric Assessment Intervention on Patient-Reported Symptomatic Toxicity in Older Adults With Advanced Cancer." Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.. 2022 Nov 10; :JCO2200738. Epub 2022 Nov 10.
9/1/2022
Singhal S, Walter LC, Smith AK, Loh KP, Cohen HJ, Zeng S, Shi Y, Boscardin WJ, Presley CJ, Williams GR, Magnuson A, Mohile SG, Wong ML. "Change in four measures of physical function among older adults during lung cancer treatment: A mixed methods cohort study." Journal of geriatric oncology.. 2022 Sep 1; Epub 2022 Sep 01.
8/30/2022
Kleckner AS, Reschke JE, Kleckner IR, Magnuson A, Amitrano AM, Culakova E, Shayne M, Netherby-Winslow CS, Czap S, Janelsins MC, Mustian KM, Peppone LJ. "The Effects of a Mediterranean Diet Intervention on Cancer-Related Fatigue for Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial." Cancers.. 2022 Aug 30; 14(17)Epub 2022 Aug 30.
Books & Chapters
2019
Chapter Title: Oncology and Hematologic Malignancies
Book Title: Geriatrics Review Syllabus: A core curriculum in geriatric medicine
Author List: Magnuson A, Maggiore R.
Edited By: Harper GM, Lyons WL, Potter JF
Published By: American Geriatrics Society 2019 in NY
2016
Chapter Title: Oncology and Hematologic Malignancies
Book Title: Geriatrics Review Syllabus: A Core Curriculum in Geriatric Medicine, 9th Edition (GRS9)
Author List: Magnuson, A; Mohile, S.
Edited By: Medina-Walpole A, Pacala JT, Potter JF
Published By: American Geriatrics Society 2016 in New York, NY
2013
Chapter Title: Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment in Oncology
Book Title: Cancer and Aging: from bench to clinics
Author List: Mohile S, Magnuson A
Edited By: Extermann
Published By: Karger Publishing 2013
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