Boosting Endocrine Therapy Adherence for Breast Cancer Survivors with Depression
Official title: Randomized Trial of a Novel Intervention to Increase Endocrine Therapy Adherence among Depressed Breast Cancer Survivors
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-11359511 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new program tests a patient-centered approach to help women with breast cancer stay on daily endocrine therapy, especially when depression makes it hard to stick to the treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 18, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $653,413 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA303943-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11359511 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women with breast cancer who are prescribed adjuvant endocrine therapy and have depressive symptoms or a history of depression.
✕Less likely to help
If you are not taking endocrine therapy or do not have depressive symptoms, this specific intervention may not apply to you.
What this research studies
If you are a breast cancer survivor who takes an oral therapy daily for many years, this grant tests a plan called REACH+ to help you stay adherent while managing depression and treatment side effects. The study combines values-based motivation techniques with depression-focused behavioral strategies to improve both mood and medication routines. It builds on a previous program (REACH) and adds targeted support for depression and AET side effects. The researchers will work with participants to tailor the intervention to individual needs and track adherence and well-being over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help more patients keep taking their life-saving endocrine therapy, reducing cancer recurrence and improving overall survival.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier REACH work showed promise, and REACH+ aims to improve on it by directly addressing depression and side effects.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arch, Joanna J — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Arch, Joanna J
Related research
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.