Virginia Sun, Ph.D., M.S.N., R.N.

Virginia Sun, Ph.D., M.S.N., R.N., had 17 years of experience as an oncology nurse and four years of experience as an oncology nurse practitioner before becoming a full-time nurse scientist. Dr. Sun’s research program is focused on cancer surgery and cancer survivorship populations, with a specific interest in thoracic, gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary malignancies. The goal of her research program is to develop and test interventions to improve patient- and family-centered care and outcomes.

 

There are two overarching aims in this research program:

 

 

Diet Modification for Bowel Dysfunction in Rectal Cancer Survivors 
Bowel dysfunction is one of the most common and persistent post-treatment long-term effects in rectal cancer. A multimodal diet modification intervention (Altering Intake, Managing Symptoms - AIMS-RC) was designed to support bowel symptoms self-management through appropriately adjusting diet. In collaboration with the University of Arizona, a Phase 2 preliminary efficacy trial, funded by the National Cancer Institute (1R21CA236057) and the Hope Foundation for Cancer Research, is currently underway. The trial is conducted through the SWOG Cancer Research Network (Study ID#S1820) and open to enrollment in 202 National Clinical Trial Networks and National Community Oncology Research Program sites across the country.

Remote Perioperative Telemonitoring of Patient-Reported Outcomes and Patient-Generated Health Data 
Patient-centered outcomes are increasingly being used in routine cancer care as quality and value indicators. However, these outcomes are not adequately understood and routinely integrated into surgical oncology. Due to changes in healthcare and advances in surgical techniques, surgeons are asked to discharge patients earlier after surgery. Wearable and digital patient engagement technology have the potential to transform the current surgical care paradigm. We previously pilot-tested a remote perioperative telemonitoring program that starts before surgery and continues after discharge; we found that the remote communication approach is acceptable to patients. Our findings suggest that patients with more functional impairments (as measured by pedometer daily steps) are more likely to experience postoperative complications. With funding support from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (IHS-2019C3-18215), a multisite comparative effectiveness trial is underway to test the effectiveness of proactive postoperative care through remote perioperative telemonitoring.

 

Ostomy Telehealth Self-Management in Cancer Survivors
This research program is a multi-institutional, collaborative effort between the University of Pennsylvania, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Geisinger Health, and University of Arizona. Led by Dr. Robert Krouse, the research team is currently testing, in a National Cancer Institute funded Phase 3 trial, an ostomy telehealth intervention to improve self-management and self-efficacy in cancer survivors living with a permanent ostomy. Dr. Sun is the site principal investigator for City of Hope.