Improving support for patients and caregivers dealing with advanced cancers
Official title: BOLSTER: Strengthening Patient and Caregiver Supports in Advanced Gynecologic and Gastrointestinal Cancers - a Multi-Site Randomized Controlled Trial
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-10770546 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new program called BOLSTER to help people with advanced gastrointestinal and gynecologic cancers feel better and manage their symptoms at home, with support from healthcare professionals and easy check-ins through a mobile app.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $663,577 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA270040-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10770546 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced gastrointestinal or gynecologic cancers who require complex care management.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancers or those not experiencing significant symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach called BOLSTER, which aims to enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from advanced gastrointestinal and gynecologic cancers. It involves a combination of ongoing support from healthcare professionals, telehealth check-ins, and a mobile health platform that allows patients to report their symptoms. By focusing on symptom management and caregiver training, the goal is to reduce the need for hospital visits and improve overall care for these patients and their families.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for patients with advanced cancers and their caregivers by providing better symptom management and support.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot trials have shown that similar palliative care interventions can be feasible and acceptable, indicating potential for success in this larger study.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wright, Alexi a — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Wright, Alexi a
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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.