Improving opioid access for advanced cancer patients near end of life
Official title: Policies to Inform Safe and Equitable Opioid Access for Patients with Advanced Cancer Near End of Life
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10878850 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how new laws about pain medication affect people with advanced cancer who are close to the end of their lives, especially those who might face extra challenges, like being from low-income backgrounds or living in rural areas, to make sure they can get the pain relief they need safely.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $399,999 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HS029170-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10878850 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced cancer who are experiencing significant pain and are nearing the end of life.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancer or those not experiencing pain may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how state-level opioid policies affect patients with advanced cancer who are nearing the end of life. It aims to understand the impact of recent changes in opioid prescribing laws on these patients, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups such as Black, low-income, elderly individuals, and those living in rural areas. By analyzing over 10 years of claims data, the project seeks to identify ways to ensure safe and equitable access to opioids for those suffering from cancer-related pain. The findings will help inform policies that balance the need for pain management with the prevention of opioid misuse.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to necessary pain relief for advanced cancer patients, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been research on opioid prescribing policies, this specific focus on advanced cancer patients and their unique needs is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sabik, Lindsay Marie — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Sabik, Lindsay Marie
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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.