VA Research Wrap Up: New findings on prostate cancer, aging in place and TBI

VA’s Office of Research and Development recently published three News Briefs highlighting new findings on prostate cancer risk, a program to help Veterans age in place and traumatic brain injury.

New genetic tool predicts prostate cancer survival odds

VA researchers created a DNA-based classification system to predict the risk of death from prostate cancer.

Using genetic analyses from more than 7,000 Veterans with metastatic prostate cancer, the research team identified 16 genes associated with survival odds and classified Veterans into favorable, intermediate and unfavorable prognostic groups based on their individual genetic profiles. Predictive accuracy was high and validated through a large genetic dataset of non-Veterans. The new tool has the potential to inform shared decision-making about treatment options and help Veterans and others with prostate cancer understand their prognosis.

View the full study from “JCO Precision Oncology.”

Choosing Home program helps older Veterans

VA researchers in Providence and Boston interviewed Veterans and caregivers participating in a new home care program, finding it improved their health, self-management and caregiver effectiveness.

Choose Home is an interdisciplinary, short-term home-care program designed to support Veterans at risk of losing independence. In a group of participating Veterans, 85% felt they were doing better at home, 90% felt more able to manage their VA care and 89% were satisfied with the program. Open-ended survey questions revealed strengths of the program, including promoting aging in place by fostering autonomy and dignity; holistic care during health crises through coordinated support; and caregiver empowerment through education, relief and practical assistance. The responses show Choosing Home could help aging Veterans stay independent and in their homes longer.

View the full study from the “Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.”

Exercise improves health outcomes in Veterans with TBI

While it is well known physical activity improves mental health conditions like depression, anxiety and even PTSD symptoms, VA San Diego and Greater Los Angeles researchers showed exercise can also improve health outcomes for Veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The VA Million Veteran Program survey included more than 7,000 Veterans who had been screened for TBI, finding the connection between physical activity and health outcomes was even more pronounced in Veterans with TBI, suggesting physical activity could be an important way to help alleviate chronic TBI symptoms. Higher levels of physical activity were connected to greater effect on health outcomes, and even small amounts of physical activity resulted in meaningful improvements.

View the full study from the “Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation.”

For more Office of Research and Development updates, visit ORD online or go to https://www.research.va.gov/news_briefs/.