Embedding symptom support in radiation therapy for prostate cancer
Official title: SUPPORT-PC (Supporting Utilization and Participation in Palliative Offerings during Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer)
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11441235 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A multi-site study tests whether delivering mindfulness-based symptom support right inside radiation therapy is feasible and acceptable for men with prostate cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 17, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $597,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AT013657-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11441235 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Men with prostate cancer undergoing radiation therapy who are open to using audio-based mindfulness during treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who cannot participate due to hearing impairment, inability to use audio materials, or routing constraints within the clinical setting.
What this research studies
This project tests a 4-week, daily audio mindfulness program embedded in radiation therapy for prostate cancer, aiming to help patients manage fatigue, pain and anxiety without adding extra visits. The study builds on a prior pilot showing feasibility at one site and expands to multiple centers to see if the approach can be used broadly. Researchers will look at recruitment, retention, how faithfully the intervention is implemented, and how well patients stick with it, with tweaks to improve accessibility. The goal is to prepare for a future larger trial that could demonstrate real benefits for patients’ well-being during treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience less symptom burden and better quality of life during radiation therapy.
How similar studies have gone: A prior single-site pilot showed the embedded mindfulness approach is feasible and acceptable, warranting broader testing.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Victorson, David — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Victorson, David
Related research
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How certain DNA repair genes affect radiation therapy in prostate cancer
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Causal Protein Markers to Understand and Predict Prostate Cancer Risk in Africans and Europeans
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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.