Luke J. Peppone

Dr. Luke J. Peppone is an Associate Professor at the University of Rochester's School of Medicine and Dentistry, holding joint appointments in the Department of Surgery, Cancer Control, Cancer Center, and Department of Orthopaedics. He joined the faculty in 2007 as a Research Assistant Professor and specializes in cancer symptom management, focusing on nutritional supplementation and exercise interventions to alleviate side effects like fatigue, bone loss, and cognitive impairment. His research also explores mechanisms underlying chemotherapy-induced symptoms.

Education:

• BA in Health and Society (1999) – University of Rochester
• MS and PhD in Epidemiology (2005, 2007) – University at Buffalo
• MPH in Public Health (2010) – University of Rochester

Research Interests:

Dr. Peppone’s work centers on symptom management for cancer patients, including interventions with vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, guarana, and exercise modalities like yoga and Tai Chi. His studies address bone loss, arthralgias, cognitive difficulties, and sleep disturbances. He has published over 80 peer-reviewed articles and is involved in clinical trials evaluating dietary, exercise, and pharmacological approaches to improve quality of life.

Key Awards:

• Community Champion (2018)
• Outstanding Young Investigator Award (2016)
• National Institutes of Health Clinical Investigator Loan Repayment Award (2011)
• Merit Award, Breast Cancer Symposium (2009)

Grants and Collaborations:

He leads studies funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and collaborates on initiatives like the URCC NCORP Research Base. His projects include nationwide trials on vitamin D supplementation, Mediterranean diets, and plant-based diets for cancer survivors.

Labs/Teams:

Dr. Peppone is part of the Cancer Control and Survivorship programs at the University of Rochester’s Wilmot Cancer Center, focusing on translational research to bridge clinical and community-based oncology care.