Breadcrumb

Headshot of Terri Armstrong

Terri S. Armstrong, Ph.D., ANP-BC, FAAN, FAANP

  • Center for Cancer Research
  • National Cancer Institute
NIH Scientist Emeritus
Neuro-Oncology Branch

RESEARCH SUMMARY

Dr. Armstrong is a trained clinician and scientist, who led the Patient Outcomes Research Program at the Neuro-Oncology Branch (NOB). She strived to understand the impact of both disease and treatment on how a person with a central nervous system (CNS) tumor feels and functions. Driven by her 30 years of experience as a care provider for patients with CNS tumors, she oversaw a research program that primarily investigated this impact through natural history studies, use of patient reported outcomes, and evaluation of interventions that reduced symptom burden. Her research program also included developing preclinical models specifically focused on the effect of circadian dysregulation and sleep alterations on symptomatic toxicities. Additionally, Dr. Armstrong co-led the Cancer Moonshot-funded NCI-CONNECT (Comprehensive Oncology Network Evaluating Rare CNS Tumors) program, which sought to study rare CNS tumors.

The goal of the Patient Outcomes Research Program is to better understand not only which therapeutic interventions designed at the NOB are beneficial to patient outcomes, but also how these therapies affect the patient themselves. There are several components within Dr. Armstrong’s research that delve deeper into the underlying biology, used technologies and methods that enhance patients’ lives while undergoing treatment, and collected data to gain a better understanding of CNS tumors and their development.

Explore the NOB's Research Programs >

Areas of Expertise

Cancer Patient Outcomes
Brain and Spine Cancer
Symptom Science
Genomic Risk Modeling
Circadian Dysregulation
Cancer Health Disparities

Publications

Selected Key Publications

Neurocognitive, symptom, and health-related quality of life outcomes of a randomized trial of bevacizumab for newly diagnosed glioblastoma (NRG/RTOG 0825).

Jeffrey S Wefel, Terri S Armstrong, Stephanie L Pugh, Mark R Gilbert, Merideth M Wendland, David G Brachman, Kevin S Roof, Paul D Brown, Ian R Crocker, H Ian Robins, Grant Hunter, Minhee Won, Minesh P Mehta
Neuro-Oncology. 23(7): 1125-1138, 2021. [ Journal Article ]

A phase II study of dose-dense temozolomide and lapatinib for recurrent low-grade and anaplastic supratentorial, infratentorial, and spinal cord ependymoma.

Mark R Gilbert, Ying Yuan, Jimin Wu, Tito Mendoza, Elizabeth Vera, Antonio Omuro, Frank Lieberman, H Ian Robins, Elizabeth R Gerstner, Jing Wu, Patrick Y Wen, Tom Mikkelsen, Kenneth Aldape, Terri S Armstrong
Neuro-Oncology. 23(3): 468-477, 2021. [ Journal Article ]

Association of circadian clock gene expression with glioma tumor microenvironment and patient survival.

Julianie De La Cruz Minyety, Dorela D Shuboni-Mulligan, Nicole Briceno, Demarrius Young Jr, Mark R Gilbert, Orieta Celiku, Terri S Armstrong
Cancers (Basel). 13(11): 2756, 2021. [ Journal Article ]

Glioma patient reported outcome assessment in clinical care and research: a RANO collaborative report.

Armstrong, T.S., Dirven, L., Arons, D., Bates, A., Chang, S.M., Coens, C., Espinasse, C., Gilbert, M.R., Jenkinson, D., Kluetz, P., Mendoza, T., Rubinstein, L., Sul, J., Weller, M., Wen, P.Y., Van den Bent, M.J., & Taphoorn, M.
Lancet Oncology. (2): 97-103, 2020. [ Journal Article ]

See brain cancer as more than just the sum of biology.

Armstrong, T.S.
Nature. 561 (7724): Epub ahead of print., 2018. [ Journal Article ]

News

Image
Terri Armstrong and five of her postbaccalaureate fellows.


Celebrating CCR Careers: Terri Armstrong, Ph.D.

Dr. Terri Armstrong will be retiring after eight years at the Neuro-Oncology Branch, leaving behind a legacy of insightful patient outcomes research and exceptional patient care. Read more >

Image
Woman lying in bed looking at her watch, which displays moon, heartbeat, calendar, and medical icons


Smart Wearables Show Promise for Tracking Sleep Patterns in Brain Tumor Patients

An interim study analysis demonstrates that combining Fitbit data with self-assessments is a reliable method for understanding sleep changes in patients. Read more >

Image
Illustration showing a person surrounded by the following icons: graduation cap, hospital cross, buildings, a dollar sign, and three people with their arms raised.


Examining Social Determinants of Health to Improve Brain Tumor Patient Quality of Life

June 24, 2024

A new study explores how non-medical factors influence the neurocognitive and mood-related symptoms that people with brain tumors experience. Read More >

Image
Three neuro-oncology providers smile outside


Forming Connections to Address Rare Brain Tumor Treatment and Care

May 21, 2024

Scientists and neuro-oncology providers are taking a comprehensive approach to improve care and treatment—performing laboratory research, conducting clinical trials, and fostering a sense of community. Watch Now >

Image
Colorful microscopy images showing a close-up of a mouse brain after radiation treatment


Study Finds Genetic Mutation Combats Daytime Sleepiness Caused by Brain Cancer Treatment

November 8, 2023

Preclinical experiments reveal that an alteration in the circadian PER2 gene may help prevent some of the negative side effects that brain tumor patients experience from radiation therapy. Read more >

Image
Dr. Armstrong speaking at a podium


Center for Cancer Research Hosts Communications Course for Healthcare Providers in Oncology

August 9, 2023

Over 20 people from various oncology disciplines gathered to learn how to better communicate with patients and families about critical aspects of care. Read more >

Image
Screenshot of WebEx meeting showing the 4 speakers: Michelle Mollica, Terri Armstrong, Emily Tonorezos, and Kimberly Wallgren.


Advancing the Science of Survivorship in Neuro-Oncology

May 12, 2023

Dr. Terri Armstrong joined fellow leaders in the field of cancer survivorship to discuss the needs of those living with brain and spine tumors, as well as goals for the future and research funding opportunities. Read more >

Image
Headshots of Terri Armstrong, Alvina Acquaye-Mallory, Tracy Ani, and Jing Wu


Neuro-Oncology Branch Members Earn NCI Director’s Awards for Improving Patient Care and Outcomes

April 5, 2023

Dr. Terri Armstrong, Alvina Acquaye-Mallory, and Tracy Ani were recognized for their efforts to make clinical trials more inclusive, while Dr. Jing Wu was recognized for her research on the anticancer drug zotiraciclib. Read more >

Image
Dr. Terri Armstrong performing neurological exam on patient


Natural History Study for Rare Brain and Spine Tumors Enrolls One Thousand Participants

November 17, 2022

In the six years since it began, the Natural History Study has amassed an enormous database of information that is helping to improve treatment and quality of life for patients with rare central nervous system cancers. Read more >

Image
Headshots of the NOB's three summer interns


Translational Research Immersion Program Interns Share Their Projects at the Annual Summer Poster Day

August 4, 2022

Summer interns investigated methods to improve immunotherapy, tailor survivorship programs, and target cancer cells using antibiotics. Read more >

Image
Dr. Terri Armstrong speaking at a podium


Improving Everyday Life for People with Rare Brain and Spine Cancers

Dr. Terri Armstrong shares why she chose to study rare brain and spine tumors and how her research is advancing patient quality of life. Read more >