Improving end-of-life care for patients with metastatic breast cancer
Official title: Randomized Trial of a Targeted Palliative Care Intervention for Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11103432 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to improve the care and support for people with metastatic breast cancer by helping them and their doctors talk better about their wishes and needs as they near the end of life, so they can get the best care possible.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $858,166 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA299956-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11103432 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer who are experiencing clinical indicators of poor prognosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage breast cancer or those who are not experiencing significant symptoms related to their condition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing end-of-life care for patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) by implementing a targeted palliative care intervention called TARGET-PC. The intervention aims to improve communication between patients and clinicians regarding end-of-life preferences and care delivery. By identifying patients at high risk of poor outcomes, the study seeks to provide timely and appropriate palliative care, ultimately improving the quality of life for these patients. The approach involves a five-session program designed to address the unique needs of MBC patients and ensure they receive the best possible care as they approach the end of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved communication and care delivery for patients with metastatic breast cancer, enhancing their quality of life during a critical time.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success in integrating palliative care with oncology for serious cancers, indicating that this approach may be effective for metastatic breast cancer as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Temel, Jennifer Sue — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Temel, Jennifer Sue
Related research
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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.