Helping kids with ALL manage pain without relying only on opioids
Official title: Identifying and Addressing Modifiable Predictors of Pain in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-11273555 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A pediatric-focused grant aims to identify what drives pain during ALL treatment and build a non-drug pain program to help children feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $212,450 |
| NIH project number | 1K08CA308381-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11273555 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, typically aged 0-11 years, and their families who are navigating ALL treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without ALL or those not experiencing significant pain during treatment may not benefit from this specific program.
What this research studies
This project centers on children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and seeks to understand which factors influence their pain during treatment. It will use long-term tracking of pain and related factors to find modifiable predictors. Then it will co-design and refine a nonpharmacological pain intervention with input from patients and families to fit their needs. By combining evidence-based components with patient favorites, the team hopes to reduce opioid dependence and improve overall comfort during therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, children with ALL could experience less pain and rely less on opioids, leading to better comfort and fewer opioid-related risks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows behavioral and CBT approaches can help some pediatric pain, but this project seeks a targeted, ALL-specific, nonpharmacological approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Klages, Kimberly — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Klages, Kimberly
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Caregiver-led mobile tool to support healthy habits for kids treated for ALL
A caregiver-directed mobile program helps children who were treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia build healthier daily routines.
-
Genomics of childhood ALL across global populations
A wide-ranging study looks at how inherited genetics influence the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia around the world.
-
Genomics of childhood ALL across diverse populations
A large international study will look at why children everywhere get acute lymphoblastic leukemia and how genetics may influence risk.
-
Combinatorial targeting for high-risk B-cell ALL treatment
A research effort at West Virginia University is exploring a combination therapy for adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia using targeted gene silencing and a small-molecule compound to improve treatment in patients.
-
Understanding why Latino children have a higher risk of childhood ALL
This project looks at why Latino children are more likely to develop acute lymphoblastic leukemia and whether genetic ancestry plays a role, with the goal of improving prevention and outcomes.
-
Targeting obesity to improve survival for children with ALL
A new approach explores whether reducing obesity-related factors can make chemotherapy work better for kids with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
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.