From left: Kyle Nolla, PhD; Tom Jensen, Trustee of the Verna Mae Jessen Trust; and Roberto Benzo, PhD, at the 2025 Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium Summit.

Oct. 26, 2025

At the 2025 Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium Summit, investigators presented updates on two innovative research projects supported by the Kenneth and Verna Mae Jessen Award through the Big Ten CRC Foundation.

A New Gamified Web App to Monitor Symptoms and Engage Users: The GAME Pilot Study with Cancer Patients

Kyle Nolla, PhD, of Northwestern University, and Roberto M. Benzo, PhD, of The Ohio State University presented their project, AthenaCompanion. Supported by a $15,000 Jessen Award grant, the pilot study is developing a gamified web-based application designed to improve cancer symptom monitoring. By incorporating engaging, game-like features into digital health tracking, AthenaCompanion seeks to increase patient participation, enhance communication between patients and care teams, and improve overall quality of life during treatment. Drs. Benzo and Nolla serve as co–principal investigators on the study.

“Our patient-centered app gives users access to symptom tracking tools powered by PROMIS health measures,” said Kyle Nolla, PhD. “AthenaCompanion lets patients track their symptom severity over time to spark important conversations with their providers about health-related quality of life.”

“This project has allowed us as researchers to gain new skills in interdisciplinary teamwork and product development,” said Kyle Nolla, PhD. “Throughout, we have engaged deeply with patients to understand their needs as they undergo cancer treatment. We’ve learned a lot about how to translate new scientific methods into something useful for the patient, and we’re grateful for that opportunity.”

Development of a Digital Intervention to Promote Cardiovascular Health in Prostate Cancer Survivors: A Cardio-Oncology Approach

Dr. Benzo also presented updates on a second Jessen Award–funded project, co-led with David Cella, PhD, of Northwestern University. Supported by a $65,000 Jessen Award grant, the study seeks to develop and evaluate mHealthy Hearts, a mobile health tool designed to monitor cardiovascular health and promote physical activity among prostate cancer survivors. Drs. Benzo and Cella are collaborating with Peter Washington, PhD, of the University of California San Francisco, and co-investigators at The Ohio State University, including Steven K. Clinton, MD, PhD; Adam Potter, MD, PhD; and Soledad Fernandez, PhD.

Both studies are supported by the Big Ten CRC’s Kenneth and Verna Mae Jessen Award, made possible through the generous support of the Verna Mae Jessen Trust.

For the Jessen family, this commitment is deeply personal. Kenneth, Verna Mae, and two of their siblings all faced cancer diagnoses during their lifetimes, experiences that shaped the family’s dedication to advancing research. The Jessen family believes research can make a difference for patients and families facing the disease. Their generosity continues to guide the award, allowing researchers to explore bold ideas and translate them into meaningful advances in cancer care.

About the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium: The Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium was created in 2013 to transform the conduct of cancer research through collaborative clinical trials and observational studies that seek to improve the lives of cancer patients in the diverse communities we serve by leveraging the scientific and clinical expertise of Big Ten universities. The Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium creates a unique team research culture to drive science rapidly from ideas to treatment and prevention. Within this innovative environment, today’s research leaders collaborate with and mentor the research leaders of tomorrow. Since its founding, the Big Ten CRC has activated nearly 40 clinical trials across a wide range of cancer types, more than 1,000 participants have enrolled in Big Ten CRC studies, and more than 500 researchers have joined Big Ten CRC Clinical Trial Working Groups.

About the Big Ten Conference: The Big Ten Conference is an association of world-class universities whose member institutions share a common mission of research, graduate, professional and undergraduate teaching and public service. Founded in 1896, the Big Ten has sustained a comprehensive set of shared practices and policies that enforce the priority of academics in the lives of students competing in intercollegiate athletics and emphasize the values of integrity, fairness and competitiveness. The broad-based programs of the 18 Big Ten institutions provide direct financial support for more than 11,000 participation opportunities on 350 teams in 42 different sports. The Big Ten sponsors 28 official conference sports, 14 for men and 14 for women. For more information, visit www.bigten.org.