Improving cancer treatment strategies through advanced decision-making methods
Official title: Next-generation SMARTs for Discovery and Evaluation of Sequential Cancer Therapeutic Strategies
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10999444 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to help doctors choose the best cancer treatments for patients by adjusting therapies based on how each person responds, while also providing support to manage side effects and improve overall well-being.
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 | December 11, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $354,690 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA280970-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999444 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cancer who are undergoing treatment and may benefit from tailored therapeutic strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those who are not currently receiving cancer treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing cancer treatment by developing innovative decision-making strategies that guide clinicians in selecting the most effective therapies for patients. It utilizes a method called Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trials (SMARTs), which allows for real-time adjustments in treatment based on individual patient responses and evolving information. By analyzing various treatment options and their sequences, the goal is to optimize long-term benefits for patients undergoing cancer therapy. This approach also includes supportive behavioral interventions to help manage side effects and improve overall patient well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective cancer treatment plans that significantly improve patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using SMARTs in cancer treatment has shown promising results, indicating that this approach is both innovative and grounded in successful methodologies.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Laber, Eric Benjamin — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Laber, Eric Benjamin
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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.