Michelle C. Janelsins-Benton, Ph.D.

Contact Information

Phone Numbers

Administrative: (585) 275-5513

Office: (585) 276-4656

Fax: (585) 461-5601

Research Labs

Cancer Control & Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory

Visit Cancer Control & Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory Lab Website

Locations

University of Rochester Medical Center
School of Medicine and Dentistry
601 Elmwood Ave, Box CU420658
Rochester, NY 14642

Faculty Appointments

Associate Professor - Department of Surgery , Cancer Control (SMD)
Associate Professor - Department of Neuroscience (SMD) - Joint
Associate Professor - Department of Radiation Oncology (SMD) - Joint
Associate Professor - Cancer Center - Joint

Biography

Research

Dr. Janelsins' laboratory focuses on : 1) understanding clinical, psychological, and biological mechanisms of cognitive difficulties in cancer patients 2) investigating interventions to alleviate cognitive difficulties in cancer patients, and 3) translational models of cognitive difficulties in cancer.

Dr. Janelsins' area of expertise is in psychoneuroimmunology, immunology, neuroscience, and cognitive science. In addition to a focus on cognition and cancer, her lab is broadly interested in many aspects of research related to quality of life improvement and side effect management in cancer.

Credentials

Education

2002
BS | Ursinus College
Biology

2005
MS | University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry
Microbiology and Immunology

2008
PhD | University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry
Microbiology and Immunology

2013
MPH | University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry
Public Health

Post-doctoral Training & Residency

2008 - 2011
Behavioral Medicine Unit, Cancer Control Program, James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Training areas: Behavioral Science, Cancer Control, Neuropsychology

Awards

2020
Fellow, Society of Behavioral Medicine

2019
Society of Behavioral Medicine Leadership Institute

2017
Best of Journal of Clinical Oncology
Sponsor: ASCO

2014
NIH Director's New Innovator Award
Sponsor: NIH

2014
Citation Award
Sponsor: Society of Behavioral Medicine

2013 - 2018
NCI K07 Career Development Award
Sponsor: NCI

2013
MASCC Outstanding Young Investigator of the Year Award
Sponsor: Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer

2011 - Present
NCI Clinical Research Loan Repayment Program Award

2011
ASPO New Investigator Award

2011
Markey Cancer Center and NCI International Conference on the Side Effects of Cancer Research Abstract Award

2010
Highest Ranked Abstract Award for the Annual Meeting of ASPO
Sponsor: American Society of Preventive Oncology

2010
Distinguished Fellow, NIH Institute on Design & Conduct of Randomized Controlled Trials Involving Behavioral Interventions
Sponsor: OBSSR

2009
First Prize Poster Award
Location: American Society for Preventive Oncology

2009
Research Abstract Award
Sponsor: Society of Behavioral Medicine

2008 - 2011
NCI Cancer Control Fellowship Award

2008
First Prize Poster Award in Cancer Control/Epidemiology
Sponsor: James P. Wilmot Cancer Center

2006
Outstanding Abstract Award
Sponsor: Keystone: Alzheimer's Disease Meeting

2005 - 2008
Individual National Research Service Award (NRSA)
Sponsor: NINDS

2005
Scholarship
Sponsor: Pathogenesis of Neuroimmunologic Diseases
Location: Marine Biological Laboratory

2004
Melville Hare Award for Excellence in Teaching
Sponsor: University of Rochester

2001
Summer Scholars Fellowship/Grant
Sponsor: Howard Hughes, Ursinus College

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Clinical Trials

Phase II SBIR - CAMPFIRE: An Electronic Platform for Cognitive Assessment in Cancer Patients

Lead Researcher: Michelle C Janelsins-Benton

The purpose of this study is to test the feasibility (acceptability and usability) and usefulness of the CAMPFIRE (Cognitive Assessment and Monitoring Platform for Integrative Research) system, a patient-facing portal able to collect and produce reports for clinicians on Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS-Cognitive Function/Anxiety/Depression) outcomes via MyChart and NIH Toolbox, an inperson brief objective cognitive function battery. This study will aim to determine the value of the CAMPFIRE system for patients and providers as a tool for monitoring cognitive symptoms throughout the course of chemotherapy

View Study Details

Publications

Journal Articles

8/18/2021
Salerno EA, Culakova E, Kleckner AS, Heckler CE, Lin PJ, Matthews CE, Conlin A, Weiselberg L, Mitchell J, Mustian KM, Janelsins MC. "Physical Activity Patterns and Relationships With Cognitive Function in Patients With Breast Cancer Before, During, and After Chemotherapy in a Prospective, Nationwide Study." Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.. 2021 Aug 18; :JCO2003514. Epub 2021 Aug 18.

7/13/2021
Janelsins MC, Mohamed M, Peppone LJ, Magnuson A, Belcher EK, Melnik M, Dakhil S, Geer J, Kamen C, Minasian L, Reagan PM, Mohile SG, Morrow GR, Ahles TA, Heckler CE. "Longitudinal Changes in Cognitive Function in a Nationwide Cohort Study of Patients with Lymphoma Treated with Chemotherapy." Journal of the National Cancer Institute.. 2021 Jul 13; Epub 2021 Jul 13.

5/27/2021
Magnuson A, Ahles T, Chen BT, Mandelblatt J, Janelsins MC. "Cognitive Function in Older Adults With Cancer: Assessment, Management, and Research Opportunities." Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.. 2021 May 27; :JCO2100239. Epub 2021 May 27.

Books & Chapters

2012
Book Title: Psychological Aspects of Cancer
Author List: Mustian, K. M.; Sprod, L.K., Janelsins, M.C., Peppone, L.J., Carroll, J., Mohile, S.G., Palesh, O.G.
Edited By: B. Carr and J. Steel
Published By: Springer 2012 in New York, NY

2008
Chapter Title: Application to gene therapy and vaccination.
Book Title: Neuroimmune Pharmacology
Author List: Bowers, W.J., Janelsins, M.C., and Federoff, H.J.
Published By: Springer, New York, NY 2008

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