NIH-funded research R21 grant

A program to help cancer survivors manage insomnia

Official title: Sleep Treatment Education Program-1 (STEP-1): A Randomized Trial of a Self-Management Insomnia Intervention for Cancer Survivors

Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-10656572 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is designed to help cancer survivors who have trouble sleeping by teaching them easy-to-use strategies for better sleep through a friendly online session.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDana-Farber Cancer Inst
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2022
Project endJune 30, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$203,878
NIH project number5R21CA267857-02
Project IDNIH-10656572 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are cancer survivors experiencing chronic insomnia.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have insomnia or are currently undergoing active cancer treatment may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on helping cancer survivors who struggle with insomnia, a common issue that can persist long after treatment. It utilizes a self-management approach based on cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI), delivered through a single online educational session. The program aims to educate survivors about effective strategies to improve their sleep and overall health. By addressing the barriers to accessing traditional CBTI, this intervention seeks to make effective insomnia treatment more available to those in need.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the sleep quality and overall well-being of cancer survivors.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia is effective, particularly in cancer survivors, indicating a strong potential for success with this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Recklitis, Christopher John — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
  • Study coordinator: Recklitis, Christopher John

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.