Engage: Telehealth psychosocial support to reduce symptom interference in advanced cancer
Official title: Engage: A Randomized Controlled Trial Testing the Efficacy of a Telehealth-Delivered Psychosocial Intervention to Decrease Symptom Interference in Patients with Advanced Cancer
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11369638 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A proven, doctor-guided telehealth program helps people with advanced cancer cope with pain, fatigue, and distress so these symptoms interfere less with daily life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,664,531 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA291768-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11369638 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with advanced cancer who experience pain, fatigue, and distress that significantly affect daily functioning.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions or circumstances that prevent participation in telehealth sessions or who have symptoms not primarily related to cancer.
What this research studies
This project tests a remote psychosocial program called ENGAGE, designed for people living with advanced cancer. It combines traditional CBT skills with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help patients manage symptoms and live more in line with their values. Participants receive telehealth sessions focusing on coping strategies, mindfulness, and activity planning to lessen how symptoms disrupt daily life. If successful, the program could be integrated into standard care to improve quality of life for patients at home. The study builds on earlier small trials that showed the approach is feasible and acceptable.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, patients could experience less symptom interference and better overall quality of life through accessible telehealth support.
How similar studies have gone: Prior small trials suggest ENGAGE is feasible and acceptable and may improve patient-reported outcomes, warranting a larger, well-powered test.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Winger, Joseph Giles — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Winger, Joseph Giles
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Brief Meaning Centered Psychotherapy for Advanced Cancer Patients Receiving Homecare
A practical study tests a short, meaning-centered talk therapy delivered by home health nurses to reduce distress in people with advanced cancer who get home care.
-
BOLSTER: Strengthening Care for Advanced Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers
A multi-site trial tests a bundled, patient- and caregiver-centered palliative care program to improve quality of life and reduce hospital visits for people with advanced solid tumors.
-
Self-System Therapy to help older adults with advanced cancer feel less distressed and live better, delivered by telehealth
A telehealth program tests a therapy designed to help adults 60 and older living with advanced cancer feel less distress and improve emotion regulation and quality of life.
-
Engage: A Telehealth Program to Help Patients with Advanced Cancer Manage Symptoms
This program offers a telehealth-delivered approach to help patients with advanced cancer better manage symptoms like pain, fatigue, and distress that interfere with their daily lives.
-
Testing a meditation support program for Black patients with advanced cancer
This study is looking at how a special meditation program can help Black patients with advanced cancer and their family caregivers cope better and feel less stressed, making sure it fits their unique needs and can be easily included in their care.
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Testing a telehealth program to help patients with advanced cancer manage symptoms
This study is testing a friendly online program called ENGAGE that helps people with advanced cancer manage tough symptoms like pain and fatigue, using helpful techniques to improve their daily lives and well-being.
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.