FOCUS support for high-risk cancer patients and their caregivers
Official title: Adapting the FOCUS Program for High-Risk Cancer Patients and Caregivers
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11401671 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will adapt the FOCUS support program to help high-risk cancer patients and their caregivers reduce stress and improve quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | July 3, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $271,980 |
| NIH project number | 5R34CA283408-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401671 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are cancer patients from high-risk communities who experience chronic stress and their informal caregivers who are willing to join a psychoeducational support program.
✕Less likely to help
People without an available caregiver, those not from the targeted high-risk communities, or those unable to participate in program sessions may not receive benefit from this project.
What this research studies
You and your caregiver would work with researchers and community partners to change the FOCUS psychoeducational program so it fits the needs of people from high-risk communities. The team will use a formal adaptation framework and community feedback to tailor content and delivery. The adapted program will then be piloted with high-risk patients and their caregivers to check whether people find it acceptable and feasible to use. Sessions focus on education, problem-solving, coping skills, and boosting confidence for both patients and caregivers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the adapted program could improve quality of life, reduce chronic stress, and strengthen coping and support for both patients and caregivers in high-risk communities.
How similar studies have gone: The original FOCUS intervention showed positive results in three prior clinical trials, but tailoring it specifically for high-risk populations is a new step.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kamen, Charles Stewart — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Kamen, Charles Stewart
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Social media support for Alzheimer's caregivers powered by AI chat help
A caregiver-focused program for families of people with Alzheimer's and related dementias uses an AI-enhanced social media approach to provide daily supportive messages and online discussions.
-
Personalized mental health toolkit for teachers and caregivers in Uganda
A new mobile app helps teachers and parents in Uganda manage stress and mental health more easily using personalized tips and local resources.
-
Mobile app to help family caregivers in Thailand manage distress
A mobile app called CAMMA would help family members caring for adults with chronic illnesses in Thailand feel less depressed and anxious through a culturally tailored mental health support program.
-
Adaptation of PATH-Pain for Dementia Family Caregivers Living with Persistent Pain and Negative Emotions
Aimed at helping dementia family caregivers who live with ongoing pain and negative feelings by adapting a pain-management program to fit their caregiving needs.
-
Improving Child Neurodevelopment through Gut Health and Caregiver Support in Guatemala
A study in Guatemala tests a nutrition and caregiver-training approach to support development in young children who are at risk for malnutrition and poor neurodevelopment.
-
Maximizing Home Health Aide Support for Veterans and their Caregivers
A VA-focused project to improve access and stability of home health aide services for older veterans and reduce caregiver burden.
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.