Sara Tinsley Vance, PhD, APRN

My research career is centered around improving the quality of life for individuals and their families with hematologic malignancies. I am working on a National Institute of Nursing Research Institute-supported career development award (K23) to develop a quality-of-life decision-making model for older adults with acute myeloid leukemia. My next step is testing the model in a randomized controlled trial to investigate whether it improves goal-concordant care through shared decision-making. Other research includes the study of sex differences in health-related quality of life and symptoms among patients diagnosed with a hematologic malignancy.

Associations

• Health Outcomes & Behavior Program

Education & Training

Graduate:

• University of South Florida, PhD - Nursing
• University of South Florida, MS - Family Nurse Practitioner

My research interests include health-related quality of life among patients diagnosed with hematologic malignancies and how this can inform shared decision-making between the patient, their caregivers, and the healthcare team. I am analyzing data from ~ 200 patients measured over six time points during treatment to build a model for sharing with prospective patients. Other areas of research include sex-related differences in quality of life and symptoms and cancer -related cachexia and sarcopenia.

Clinical Trial 22696
Specialty Compared to Oncology Delivered Palliative Care for Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia SCOPE-Leukemia
Condition: Malignant Hematology
Status: Open

Clinical Trial 23558
Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia or Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma.
Condition: Malignant Hematology
Status: Open

If you believe you are eligible for one of these trials or studies, please call
813-745-6100 or toll-free 1-800-679-0775.

• Sekeres MA, Mattison RJ, Artz AS, Baer MR, Chua CC, Demichelis-Gomez R, Egan PC, Fletcher L, Foucar CE, Garcia JS, Gilberto L, Gómez-De León A, Lancet JE, Loh KP, Malcovati L, Marini BL, Platzbecker U, Sorror ML, Tinsley-Vance S, Treitz J, Oliveros MJ, Ibrahim S, Roldan Y, Guyatt GH, Brignardello-Petersen R. American Society of Hematology 2025 guidelines for treating newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia in older adults. Blood Adv. 2025 Nov. Pubmedid: 41321225.
• Park MA, Whelan CJ, Ahmed S, Boeringer T, Brown J, Carson TL, Crowder SL, Gage K, Gregg C, Jeong DK, Jim HSL, Judge AR, Mason TM, Parker N, Pillai S, Qayyum A, Rajasekhara S, Rasool G, Tinsley SM, Schabath MB, Stewart P, West J, McDonald P, Permuth JB. Correction: Park et al. Defining and Addressing Research Priorities in Cancer Cachexia through Transdisciplinary Collaboration. Cancers 2024, 16, 2364. Cancers (Basel). 2025 Mar.17(6). Pubmedid: 40149388. Pmcid: PMC11941415.
• Mina A, McGraw KL, Cunningham L, Kim N, Jen EY, Calvo KR, Ehrlich LA, Aplan PD, Garcia-Manero G, Foran JM, Garcia JS, Zeidan AM, DeZern AE, Komrokji RS, Sekeres MA, Scott BL, Buckstein RJ, Tinsley-Vance S, Verma A, Wroblewski T, Pavletic SZ, Norsworthy KJ. Advancing drug development in myelodysplastic syndromes. Blood Adv. 2025 Mar.9(5):1095-1104. Pubmedid: 39786387. Pmcid: PMC11914162.
• Meng H, Lengacher CA, Tate R, Rodríguez C, Kip KE, Park JY, Hueluer G, Nguyen AT, Morgan S, Tinsley S, Veal B, Joshi A, Krothapalli M, Nidamanur S, Cox C, Padgett LS, Moscoso M, Bornstein E, Lucas JM, Fonseca T, Donovan KA, Chamkeri R, Reich RR. Cost-Utility Analysis of a Group Mindfulness Program Compared to an Education Support Program for Breast Cancer Survivors With Cognitive Impairment: Evidence From a Randomized Controlled Trial. Psychooncology. 2025 Jul.34(7):e70220. Pubmedid: 40696563.
• Lengacher CA, Reich RR, Rodriguez CS, Nguyen AT, Park JY, Meng H, Tinsley S, Hueluer G, Donovan KA, Moscoso MS, Bornstein E, Kiluk J, Nidamanur S, Padgett LS, Lucas JM, Fonseca T, Joshi A, Lin KJ, Goodman M, Kip KE. Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Breast Cancer (MBSR(BC)) a Treatment for Cancer-related Cognitive Impairment (CRCI): A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Integr Complement Med. 2025 Jan.31(1):75-91. Pubmedid: 39291332. Pmcid: PMC11839530.
• Park JY, Lengacher CA, Rodriguez CS, Meng H, Kip KE, Morgan S, Joshi A, Hueluer G, Wang JR, Tinsley S, Cox C, Kiluk J, Donovan KA, Moscoso M, Bornstein E, Lucas JM, Fonseca T, Krothapalli M, Padgett LS, Nidamanur S, Hornback E, Patel D, Chamkeri R, Reich RR. The Moderating Role of Genetics on the Effectiveness of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Breast Cancer (MBSR(BC)) Program on Cognitive Impairment. Biol Res Nurs. 2025 Apr.27(2):216-228. Pubmedid: 39413359.
• Lengacher CA, Hueluer G, Wang JR, Reich RR, Meng H, Park JY, Kip KE, Morgan S, Joshi A, Tinsley S, Krothapalli M, Nidamanur S, Cox C, Kiluk J, Lucas JM, Fonseca T, Moscoso MS, Bornstein E, Donovan KA, Padgett LS, Chamkeri R, Patel D, Hornback E, Rodríguez CCS. A Randomized Clinical Trial of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program Among Breast Cancer Survivors Post-Treatment: Evaluating Mediators of Cognitive Improvement. J Integr Complement Med. 2025 Apr.31(4):367-377. Pubmedid: 39711191.
• Durosier Mertilus DS, Rodriguez CS, Lengacher CA, Donovan KA, Sokol L, Tinsley-Vance SM, Szalacha LA. Lived experiences of lymphoma patients with sexual dysfunction and related sexual distress during cancer treatment. Discov Public Health. 2024 Nov.21.
• Komrokji RS, Lanino L, Ball S, Bewersdorf JP, Marchetti M, Maggioni G, Travaglino E, Al Ali NH, Fenaux P, Platzbecker U, Santini V, Diez-Campelo M, Singh A, Jain AG, Aguirre LE, Tinsley-Vance SM, Schwabkey ZI, Chan O, Xie Z, Brunner AM, Kuykendall AT, Bennett JM, Buckstein R, Bejar R, Carraway HE, DeZern AE, Griffiths EA, Halene S, Hasserjian RP, Lancet J, List AF, Loghavi S, Odenike O, Padron E, Patnaik MM, Roboz GJ, Stahl M, Sekeres MA, Steensma DP, Savona MR, Taylor J, Xu ML, Sweet K, Sallman DA, Nimer SD, Hourigan CS, Wei AH, Sauta E, D'Amico S, Asti G, Castellani G, Delleani M, Campagna A, Borate UM, Sanz G, Efficace F, Gore SD, Kim TK, Daver N, Garcia-Manero G, Rozman M, Orfao A, Wang SA, Foucar MK, Germing U, Haferlach T, Scheinberg P, Miyazaki Y, Iastrebner M, Kulasekararaj A, Cluzeau T, Kordasti S, van de Loosdrecht AA, Ades L, Zeidan AM, Della Porta MG. Data-driven, harmonised classification system for myelodysplastic syndromes: a consensus paper from the International Consortium for Myelodysplastic Syndromes. Lancet Haematol. 2024 Nov.11(11):e862-e872. Pubmedid: 39393368.
• Park MA, Whelan CJ, Ahmed S, Boeringer T, Brown J, Crowder SL, Gage K, Gregg C, Jeong DK, Jim HSL, Judge AR, Mason TM, Parker N, Pillai S, Qayyum A, Rajasekhara S, Rasool G, Tinsley SM, Schabath MB, Stewart P, West J, McDonald P, Permuth JB. Defining and Addressing Research Priorities in Cancer Cachexia through Transdisciplinary Collaboration. Cancers (Basel). 2024 Jun.16(13). Pubmedid: 39001427. Pmcid: PMC11240731.
• Jain AG, Ball S, Aguirre L, Al Ali N, Kaldas D, Tinsley-Vance S, Kuykendall A, Chan O, Sweet K, Lancet JE, Padron E, Sallman DA, Komrokji R. Patterns of lower risk myelodysplastic syndrome progression: factors predicting progression to high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia. Haematologica. 2024 Jul.109(7):2157-2164. Pubmedid: 38299605. Pmcid: PMC11215361.
• Aguirre LE, Jain A, Ball S, Ali NA, Volpe VO, Tinsley-Vance S, Sallman D, Sweet K, Lancet J, Padron E, Yun S, Kuykendall A, Komrokji R. Triple-Negative Myelofibrosis: Disease Features, Response to Treatment and Outcomes. Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk. 2024 Jul.24(7):459-467. Pubmedid: 38548563.
• Tinsley-Vance SM, Mason TM, Komrokji RS. An integrative review of cancer-related cachexia and sarcopenia: A different focus in malignant hematology. Health Sci Rev (Oxf). 2024 Dec.13. Pubmedid: 39802938. Pmcid: PMC11720849.
• Tinsley-Vance SM, Lancet JE. First, do no harm: quality over quantity?. Blood. 2024 Aug.144(5):471-472. Pubmedid: 39088225. Pmcid: PMC11406179.
• Tinsley-Vance SM, Ali NA, Ball S, Aguirre LE, Jain AG, Hussaini MO, Chan O, Kuykendall A, Sweet K, Lancet J, Padron E, Sallman DA, Komrokji RS. Sex Disparities in Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Genotype, Phenotype, and Outcomes. Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk. 2023 May.23(5):355-359. Pubmedid: 36813626. Pmcid: PMC10121764.
• Tinsley-Vance SM. Research Strategy for the Development of a Quality-of-Life Decision-Making Model for Older Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia. J Adv Pract Oncol. 2023 May.14(4):272-283. Pubmedid: 37313279. Pmcid: PMC10258859.
• Aguirre LE, Al Ali N, Sallman DA, Ball S, Jain AG, Chan O, Tinsley-Vance SM, Kuykendall A, Sweet K, Lancet JE, Padron E, Komrokji RS. Assessment and validation of the molecular international prognostic scoring system for myelodysplastic syndromes. Leukemia. 2023 Jul.37(7):1530-1539. Pubmedid: 37147425.
• Ball S, Aguirre LE, Jain AG, Ali NA, Tinsley SM, Chan O, Kuykendall AT, Sweet K, Lancet JE, Sallman DA, Hussaini MO, Padron E, Komrokji RS. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of EZH2-mutant myelodysplastic syndrome: A large single institution analysis of 1774 patients. Leuk Res. 2023 Jan.124:106999. Pubmedid: 36542963.
• Tinsley-Vance SM, Davis M, Ajayi O. Role of Luspatercept in the Management of Lower-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes. J Adv Pract Oncol. 2023 Jan.14(1):82-87. Pubmedid: 36741213. Pmcid: PMC9894202.
• Tinsley-Vance SM, Durosier Mertilus DS, Nodzon L, Lengacher CA. An Integrative Review of Sex Differences in Quality of Life and Symptoms Among Survivors of Hematologic Malignancies. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2023 Apr.50(3):299-312. Pubmedid: 37155973.
• Park JY, Lengacher CA, Reich RR, Park HY, Whiting J, Nguyen AT, Rodríguez C, Meng H, Tinsley S, Chauca K, Gordillo-Casero L, Wittenberg T, Joshi A, Lin K, Ismail-Khan R, Kiluk JV, Kip KE. Translational Genomic Research: The Association between Genetic Profiles and Cognitive Functioning or Cardiac Function Among Breast Cancer Survivors Completing Chemotherapy. Biol Res Nurs. 2022 Oct.24(4):433-447. Pubmedid: 35499926. Pmcid: PMC9630728.
• Nodzon L, Fadol A, Tinsley S. Cardiovascular Adverse Events and Mitigation Strategies for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients Receiving Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy. J Adv Pract Oncol. 2022 Mar.13(2):127-142. Pubmedid: 35369400. Pmcid: PMC8955565.
• Lengacher CA, Gruss LF, Kip KE, Reich RR, Chauca KG, Moscoso MS, Joshi A, Tinsley S, Shani B, Cousin L, Khan CP, Goodman M, Park JY. Mindfulness-based stress reduction for breast cancer survivors (MBSR(BC)): evaluating mediators of psychological and physical outcomes in a large randomized controlled trial. J Behav Med. 2021 Oct.44(5):591-604. Pubmedid: 33963420.
• Komrokji RS, Wei S, Mailloux AW, Zhang L, Padron E, Sallman D, Lancet JE, Tinsley S, Nardelli LA, Pinilla-Ibarz J, Epling-Burnette PK, List AF. A Phase II Study to Determine the Safety and Efficacy of the Oral Inhibitor of Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase (IDO) Enzyme INCB024360 in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes. Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk. 2019 Mar.19(3):157-161. Pubmedid: 30713125.
• Bamberger ET, Eden AR, Marinelli KA, Gonzalez PA, Tinsley S, Dodgson JE. Growth and Change in the Journal of Human Lactation: A Content Analysis 1985-2018. J Hum Lact. 2019 Aug.35(4):759-773. Pubmedid: 31465695.
• Komrokji RS, Al Ali NH, Padron E, Cogle C, Tinsley S, Sallman D, Lancet JE, List AF. Lenalidomide and Prednisone in Low and Intermediate-1 IPSS Risk, Non-Del(5q) Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Phase 2 Clinical Trial. Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk. 2019 Apr.19(4):251-254. Pubmedid: 30852241.
• Kurtin SE, Ridgeway JA, Tinsley S. Practical Strategies for Management of Lenalidomide-Associated Cytopenias in Myelodysplastic Syndromes With del(5q). J Adv Pract Oncol. 2018 Oct.8(7):721-728. Pubmedid: 30333934. Pmcid: PMC6188096.
• Tinsley SM, Grande C, Olson K, Plato L, Jacobs I. Potential of Biosimilars to Increase Access to Biologics: Considerations for Advanced Practice Providers in Oncology. J Adv Pract Oncol. 2018 Nov.9(7):699-716. Pubmedid: 31249718. Pmcid: PMC6570521.
• Tinsley SM, Hoehner-Cooper CM. Transitioning Patients With Iron Overload From Exjade to Jadenu. J Infus Nurs. 2018 May.41(3):171-175. Pubmedid: 29659464.
• Ridgeway JA, Tinsley S, Kurtin SE. Practical Guide to Bone Marrow Sampling for Suspected Myelodysplastic Syndromes. J Adv Pract Oncol. 2018 Jun.8(1):29-39. Pubmedid: 29900015. Pmcid: PMC5995536.
• Tinsley SM, Sutton SK, Thapa R, Lancet J, McMillan SC. Treatment Choices: A Quality of Life Comparison in Acute Myeloid Leukemia and High-risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk. 2017 Jul.17S:S75-S79. Pubmedid: 28760305. Pmcid: PMC7771348.
• Abel GA, Efficace F, Buckstein RJ, Tinsley S, Jurcic JG, Martins Y, Steensma DP, Watts CD, Raza A, Lee SJ, List AF, Klaassen RJ. Prospective international validation of the Quality of Life in Myelodysplasia Scale (QUALMS). Haematologica. 2016 Jun.101(6):781-788. Pubmedid: 26944474. Pmcid: PMC5013948.
• Padron E, Dezern A, Andrade-Campos M, Vaddi K, Scherle P, Zhang Q, Ma Y, Balasis ME, Tinsley S, Ramadan H, Zimmerman C, Steensma DP, Roboz GJ, Lancet JE, List AF, Sekeres MA, Komrokji RS. A Multi-Institution Phase I Trial of Ruxolitinib in Patients with Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML). Clin Cancer Res. 2016 Aug.22(15):3746-3754. Pubmedid: 26858309. Pmcid: PMC5278764.
• Tinsley SM, Kurtin SE, Ridgeway JA. Practical Management of Lenalidomide-Related Rash. Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk. 2015 Jun.15 Suppl:S64-S69. Pubmedid: 26297281.
• Sweet K, Al Ali NH, Dalia SM, Komrokji RS, Crescentini RM, Tinsley S, Lancet JE, Papenhausen PR, Zhang L, Pinilla-Ibarz J. Increased genomic instability may contribute to the development of kinase domain mutations in chronic myeloid leukemia. Int J Hematol. 2014 Dec.100(6):567-574. Pubmedid: 25281405.
• Komrokji RS, Padron E, Yu D, Fulp WJ, Rodriguez Y, Tinsley S, List AF, Lancet JE. Phase II clinical study of erlotinib for treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes. Am J Hematol. 2014 Aug.89(8):809-812. Pubmedid: 24764152. Pmcid: PMC4561860.
• Phillips KM, Pinilla-Ibarz J, Sotomayor E, Lee MR, Jim HS, Small BJ, Sokol L, Lancet J, Tinsley S, Sweet K, Komrokji R, Jacobsen PB. Quality of life outcomes in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors: a controlled comparison. Support Care Cancer. 2013 Apr.21(4):1097-1103. Pubmedid: 23179489.
• Shah J, Kurtin SE, Arnold L, Lindroos-Kolqvist P, Tinsley S. Management of transfusion-related iron overload in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes. Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2012 Jun.16 Suppl:37-46. Pubmedid: 22641283.
• Tinsley SM. Safety profiles of second-line tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia. J Clin Nurs. 2010 May.19(9-10):1207-1218. Pubmedid: 20345830.

• Title: Predictors of Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
  Award Number: N/A
  Sponsor: NCCN
  Tinsley V. (PD/PI)