Paul B. Jacobsen

Paul B. Jacobsen, PhD is Associate Director of the Healthcare Delivery Research Program at the National Cancer Institute. Previously Professor and Chair of Health Outcomes and Behavior at Moffitt Cancer Center, Dr. Jacobsen is one of the foremost researchers on cancer-related fatigue — the most prevalent and distressing symptom reported by cancer patients across the disease trajectory. His work has established the multifactorial etiology of cancer-related fatigue, encompassing inflammatory, neuroendocrine, and behavioral pathways, and has produced the most rigorous evidence base for behavioral interventions including exercise and cognitive-behavioral therapy as first-line treatments. Dr. Jacobsen developed widely used screening tools for distress in cancer patients and led foundational implementation studies for the NCCN Distress Thermometer in routine oncology practice. With over 350 publications, he has been instrumental in elevating psychosocial symptom management as a standard-of-care component in comprehensive cancer programs.