Charles Loprinzi, M.D., is a leader in the field of symptom science, dedicating 25 years of research to symptom control clinical trials that focus on treatment, prevention, and a better understanding of adverse symptoms related to cancer and its treatment. He leads a research team that has conducted more than 100 symptom control trials.
A medical oncologist, Dr. Loprinzi’s focus areas include chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, hot flashes, and anorexia and cachexia. The clinical trials on hot flashes and anorexia and cachexia have led to the widespread use of practice changing interventions. He and his research group have conducted a number of trials utilizing interventions to prevent or treat chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. Though only one such study thus far has demonstrated efficacy to treat chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, researchers have learned from all the studies, including those that did not demonstrate an effect.
Dr. Loprinzi’s work, largely in the North Central Cancer Treatment Group, also has addressed the management of inflammation of the esophagus or bowels; cancer-related loss of appetite, weight, or both; chemotherapy-induced hot flashes; skin toxicity; sexuality symptoms; arm swelling; cognitive dysfunction; bone thinning; insomnia; and fatigue. He has conducted numerous trials related to breast cancer, which is his primary clinical interest.
Throughout his professional career, Dr. Loprinzi has been a mentor for many investigators and has served in numerous roles in various cancer-related committees. He has held multiple roles with the Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer, serving as associate editor (2004, 2008) and chief editor (2013, 2015) of the Self Evaluation Program at the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and as the founding editor of the “Art of Oncology” section of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Currently, he is the chair of the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology Symptom Intervention Committee and is a Regis Professor of Breast Cancer Research.
To learn more about Dr. Loprinzi, read his Mayo Clinic biography.