Dr. Kaliskiak studies how to improve the quality of care for cancer patients, particularly those facing end-of-life decisions. She uses tools like the Values Assessment to better understand patient preferences and improve communication between patients and healthcare providers. Additionally, her work includes examining conditions such as B-cell neoplasms, which are cancers affecting white blood cells, to identify patterns and potential treatment options linked to specific molecules in these cancers. Her research aims to ensure that patients receive personalized and compassionate care during challenging times.
Key findings
In her 2017 study, 56.7% of patients aged 65 or older who received a Values Assessment completed advance directives, leading to longer hospice stays of 21 days compared to 12.5 days for those without advance directives.
Her 2014 research revealed that social workers participating in the ExCEL program designed successful projects to enhance the collaborative care model for older cancer patients, improving both medical and emotional support.
Research from 1996 found that nearly all types of B cell neoplasms express ganglioside GM3, except for multiple myeloma, which mostly has ganglioside GM2, aiding in the development of targeted therapies.
A 1991 study showed that leukemias express about ten times more glycosphingolipids than lymphomas, suggesting different cancer types require tailored diagnostic and treatment approaches.
In her 1991 work on monoclonal antibodies, Dr. Kaliskiak identified a sugar molecule involved in various B-cell cancers, enhancing the potential for better diagnostic methods.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Kaliskiak study cancer care?
Yes, she focuses on improving care for cancer patients, particularly in palliative settings and end-of-life decisions.
What treatments has Dr. Kaliskiak researched?
Her research includes exploring the use of patient values assessments and the development of targeted therapies for B-cell neoplasms.
Is Dr. Kaliskiak's work relevant to older cancer patients?
Absolutely, she emphasizes enhancing palliative care and support for older patients facing cancer treatment.
What is a Values Assessment?
A Values Assessment is a tool that helps patients articulate their care preferences, especially in end-of-life situations.
How does Dr. Kaliskiak's research benefit patients?
Her research informs better communication and more personalized care approaches, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Publications in plain English
If We Don't Ask, Our Patients Might Never Tell: The Impact of the Routine Use of a Patient Values Assessment.
2017
Journal of oncology practice
Hoverman JR, Taniguchi C, Eagye K, Mikan S, Kalisiak A +2 more
Plain English Researchers studied how a specific tool called a Values Assessment (VA) could help patients with cancer make important decisions about their end-of-life care. Out of 1,268 patients, 56.7% were aged 65 or older, and the tool led to more patients completing advance directives (ADs), with those who had ADs being more likely to enroll in hospice care and spend more time in it—21 days compared to 12.5 days for those without ADs. The study shows that regularly using the VA can improve patient communication and lead to more personalized and compassionate end-of-life care.
Who this helps: This helps patients with cancer and their families.
Enhancing collaborative leadership in palliative social work in oncology.
2014
Journal of social work in end-of-life & palliative care
Jones B, Phillips F, Head BA, Hedlund S, Kalisiak A +3 more
Plain English The study explored how social workers in oncology can take on leadership roles to improve palliative care for older cancer patients. It found that participants in the ExCEL program developed various successful projects that enhanced collaborative efforts in caring for patients, showing the critical role social workers play in addressing both medical and emotional needs. This matters because as the number of older Americans with cancer grows, having well-prepared social workers can lead to better overall patient care.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with cancer and their families, as well as the healthcare teams involved in their care.
Patterns of ganglioside expression in B cell neoplasms.
1996
Leukemia & lymphoma
O'Boyle KP, Freeman K, Kalisiak A, Agregado A, Scheinberg DA
Plain English This study looked at different types of B cell cancers to see what kinds of gangliosides, which are molecules found on the surface of cells, they express. Researchers found that a ganglioside called GM3 was present in nearly all types of B cell neoplasms, except for multiple myeloma, where GM2 was equally common. This information is important because it helps scientists understand the characteristics of these cancers better and could guide the development of targeted therapies.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with B cell neoplasms and their doctors by offering potential new treatment options.
A monoclonal antibody for terminal beta-galactose. Use in analysis of glycosphingolipids.
1991
Glycoconjugate journal
Kalisiak A, Oosterwijk E, Minniti JG, Old LJ, Scheinberg DA
Plain English This research focused on a specialized antibody, called mAb 8281, which targets a specific sugar structure found on certain cell types. The study discovered that this antibody effectively identifies specific types of fat molecules in leukemia cells, confirming the presence of important sugars called lactosylceramide and galactosylceramide in different stages of cancer. This finding is significant because it could enhance our understanding of cancer cell behavior and improve diagnostic tools.
Who this helps: This helps patients with leukemia and doctors who treat them.
Monoclonal antibodies against Gal alpha 1-4Gal beta 1-4Glc (Pk, CD77) produced with a synthetic glycoconjugate as immunogen: reactivity with carbohydrates, with fresh frozen human tissues and hematopoietic tumors.
1991
International journal of cancer
Oosterwijk E, Kalisiak A, Wakka JC, Scheinberg DA, Old LJ
Plain English This study focused on creating special antibodies that can recognize a specific sugar molecule (Pk, CD77) associated with certain types of cancer, particularly Burkitt's lymphoma. The researchers developed three effective antibodies, with one called PK67, that strongly bind to this sugar, showing much less reaction to similar sugars. They found that this sugar is commonly found in many normal tissues and is also present in various B-cell cancers, not just Burkitt's lymphoma, which might help in identifying these cancers better.
Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and researchers working with cancer patients, especially those with B-cell neoplasms.
Neutral glycosphingolipid expression in B-cell neoplasms.
1991
International journal of cancer
Kalisiak A, Minniti JG, Oosterwijk E, Old LJ, Scheinberg DA
Plain English This study looked at the levels of certain molecules called glycosphingolipids (GSL) in 37 different types of B-cell blood cancers, including leukemias and lymphomas. The researchers found that leukemias generally had about ten times more simple GSL compared to lymphomas, and that specific GSL types were linked to different cancer types. Understanding these patterns can help doctors better classify and understand these cancers, potentially leading to more tailored treatments.
Who this helps: This helps patients with B-cell neoplasms and their doctors.