Investigating opioid therapy for pain management in metastatic cancer patients
Official title: Opioid therapy for pain in individuals with metastatic cancer: benefits, harms and stakeholder perspectives
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10864049 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to learn more about how opioids can help manage pain for people with metastatic cancer, and it invites patients and healthcare providers to share their experiences to improve pain relief options 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 | September 15, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $685,813 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NR020031-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10864049 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with metastatic cancer who are experiencing pain and may be considering or currently using opioid therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancer-related pain or those not currently experiencing significant pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the benefits and risks of opioid therapy for individuals suffering from metastatic cancer, a condition that often involves significant pain. The study aims to gather insights from patients, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to evaluate how opioids can be effectively and safely used in this population. By addressing the unique challenges faced by metastatic cancer patients, the research seeks to fill gaps in existing literature and inform better decision-making regarding pain management. Participants may be asked to share their experiences and perspectives on opioid use, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of its impact.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies for metastatic cancer patients, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been extensive research on opioid therapy for chronic non-cancer pain, studies specifically addressing metastatic cancer patients are limited, making this research a novel and necessary exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Merlin, Jessica S — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Merlin, Jessica S
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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.