NIH-funded research Career grant

Creating a visual tool to help patients decide when to stop cancer treatment

Official title: Developing and Testing an Interactive Visual Aid for Approaching Decision Making to Stop Cancer Treatment in Advanced Cancer

Funded at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic · NIH-10983828 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is creating a helpful visual tool for patients with advanced cancer, their caregivers, and doctors to make it easier to talk about stopping treatments and to ensure that care decisions match what patients really want.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Lebanon, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2029
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$257,413
NIH project number1K08CA286746-01A1
Project IDNIH-10983828 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are facing decisions about stopping cancer treatment due to advanced cancer.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not currently undergoing cancer treatment or those with early-stage cancer may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research aims to develop an interactive visual aid that assists patients with advanced cancer, their caregivers, and clinicians in making informed decisions about stopping cancer treatments. The tool is designed to enhance communication by addressing emotional support and managing uncertainty during outpatient visits. By using this visual aid, patients can better express their preferences and values regarding their treatment options, leading to more aligned care decisions. The project focuses on improving the understanding between patients and healthcare providers to ensure that care aligns with patients' wishes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved decision-making processes for patients with advanced cancer, ensuring that their treatment aligns with their personal values and preferences.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that enhancing communication and emotional support in healthcare settings can improve patient outcomes, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

  • Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic
    Lebanon, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Wasp, Garrett T — Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic
  • Study coordinator: Wasp, Garrett T

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Interactive visual aid to support stopping cancer treatment decisions in advanced cancer

    A mentored clinician-researcher will develop and test an interactive visual tool to help patients with advanced cancer, their caregivers, and clinicians communicate about stopping treatment in a way that respects patient values and reduces uncertainty.

    NIH research Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic · Lebanon, United States · NIH-11371154

  • Using machine learning to help doctors make better decisions for advanced cancer patients

    This study is working on a new way to help doctors better predict how long patients with advanced cancer might live, using smart computer tools alongside their medical expertise, so that patients can get the right care and support when they need it most.

    NIH research Emory University · Atlanta, United States · NIH-11239355

  • Improving Care for Advanced Cancer Using Smart Technology

    This project helps doctors better understand the future health of advanced cancer patients by combining their expertise with smart computer programs, aiming for earlier and better care planning.

    NIH research Emory University · Atlanta, United States · NIH-11123903

  • Understanding how octopuses integrate sensory information and make decisions

    This study is exploring how octopuses use their arms to grip things by looking closely at their nervous system and movements, which could help us understand their amazing abilities better.

    NIH research Michigan State University · East Lansing, United States · NIH-9949982

  • NoviGuide for Newborn Care in Pakistan

    A small NIH grant to test a pocket-sized decision support tool for nurses and doctors to improve newborn care in Pakistan.

    NIH research Aga Khan University (Pakistan) · Karachi, Pakistan · NIH-11624823

  • Understanding how aging and Alzheimer’s affect how people make tough choices

    This NIH grant studies how aging and Alzheimer’s risk change how people decide between immediate and delayed rewards and risky options, with the goal of helping older adults stay financially and healthwise safer.

    NIH research University of Florida · Gainesville, United States · NIH-11620311

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.