CaRe Lab

CaRe Lab was founded at MGH Institute of Health Professions with the objective of advancing knowledge and clinical practice related to improving the functional well-being and quality of life of individuals living with and beyond cancer.

Cancer rehabilitation assists individuals living with and beyond cancer to maintain and restore physical function and independence so that they can engage in the daily activities they value most. An interprofessional cancer rehabilitation team works together to address the physical, emotional, occupational, and social needs of individuals throughout the continuum of cancer care.

Our Focus

a man points at a spot off camera for a woman sitting - a researcher looks at equipment in the background

Applied Research

Our lab, with strong clinical connections to the renowned medical and research institutions of Boston, has a unique opportunity to learn from and collaborate with premier cancer and rehabilitation clinicians. Our goal is to advance evidence-based clinical practice while partnering with the world class clinicians in our network to inform our lab’s research.

“There was so much that was left up to you after the fact, you know, you're kind of left on your own to work it all out … [Rehabilitation] gave me things to do that make me feel like I'm in control again … that makes me feel better.”

- Research Participant,

The Role of Exercise Self-Efficacy in Exercise Participation Among Women with Persistent Fatigue After Breast Cancer: A Mixed-Methods Study

Interprofessional Approach

The complex repercussions of cancer and its treatments provide challenges to both patients and rehabilitation professionals. This provides rich opportunities for our interprofessional research team to work together to optimize clinical approaches to cancer rehabilitation.

Current Studies

An interprofessional intervention to enhance recovery for individuals living with multiple myeloma.

This single-arm feasibility study is testing a combined occupational and physical therapy intervention to enhance activity and exercise engagement among individuals living with multiple myeloma—a common and chronic blood cancer.
Funded by an MGH IHP IMPACT Practice Center Innovation Pilot Award

Optimizing employment outcomes among rural cancer survivors: Initiation of a community-engaged research program.

The goal of this mixed methods, descriptive study is to explore cancer survivor and employer needs and priorities regarding return-to-work interventions for people undergoing cancer treatment.
Funded by Norris Cotton Cancer Center Developmental Funds

Optimizing functional recovery of breast cancer survivors.

The purpose of this randomized control trial is to test the efficacy of a telephone-delivered intervention to promote functional recovery and reduce participation restrictions in survivors of breast cancer.
Funded by the National Cancer Institute

The CaRe Lab continues to expand its research and our team is highly interested in exploring mutual interests and connecting with potential collaborators.

Opportunities are available for investigators, graduate, and undergraduate students to gain experience working in the CaRe Lab.