Abstract Presenter: Noha Sharafeldin, MD, MSc, PhD, assistant professor in the Hematology and Oncology Division and Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Abstract Title: Accelerated Brain Aging and Cognitive Decline in Hematologic Cancer Survivors Post-Transplant: Insights from Brain Age Gap and White Matter Hyperintensities

Session: Welcome, Awards & Best Abstracts, 8:15 – 10:15 a.m. on Feb. 14, Ballroom B

Presentation Time: 9:30 – 9:45 a.m.

What is your presentation/abstract about?

“Our research investigates brain imaging markers associated with accelerated cognitive aging in survivors of bone marrow transplantation (BMT). These markers include assessing the age gap between a patient’s chronological age and their brain age, as well as evaluating the volumes of brain lesions commonly associated with aging.”

How did you first become interested in this topic?

“Cognitive decline is a common and persistent outcome in BMT survivors, potentially reflecting accelerated aging in these patients. Our aim was to identify MRI markers of accelerated aging and explore their relationship with cognitive decline.”

What are you working on next related to this topic?

“We are currently analyzing longitudinal data from patients who received cognitive interventions designed to improve their cognitive function, and we are using the same MRI markers of brain aging as indicators of intervention response.”

How do you hope your work influences the field?

“Cognitive decline is increasingly recognized as a significant outcome following BMT. Our overall goal is to identify key predictors of decline in patients, including demographic, clinical, imaging, and genetic markers, to enable the early implementation of interventions targeted at patients at highest risk for cognitive decline after BMT.”

What excites you most about transplantation and cellular and gene therapy today?

“The remarkable advances in the field are truly exciting and have led to a steady growth in our survivorship population. My research is focused on addressing treatment-related adverse outcomes, with the ultimate goal of improving survivors’ quality of life and enhancing their survivorship experience.”

Is there anything else you would like Tandem Meetings attendees to know about your abstract?

“The work presented in our abstract showcases the application of advanced machine and deep learning techniques, correlating the findings with clinical measures. I believe it is a great example of how we can leverage advanced analytical methods to address critical clinical outcomes and survivorship research questions.”