Online pain-coping program for joint pain from aromatase inhibitors
Official title: Web-based Pain Coping Skills Training to Improve Pain and Poor Adherence caused by Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Arthralgia In Breast Cancer Survivors (SKIP-Arthralgia): A Randomized Controlled Trial
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11093487 · Data updated 2026-11-12
An online pain-coping program for postmenopausal breast cancer survivors taking aromatase inhibitors to help reduce joint pain and support staying on treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $625,257 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA271220-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093487 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are postmenopausal breast cancer survivors currently taking an aromatase inhibitor who are experiencing joint pain or stiffness and can use web-based resources in English.
✕Less likely to help
People not taking aromatase inhibitors, with joint pain from unrelated causes, unable to use the internet, or with severe cognitive impairment may not benefit from this program.
What this research studies
If you are a postmenopausal breast cancer survivor taking an aromatase inhibitor and having joint pain, this project offers a web-based Pain Coping Skills Training (PCST) program based on cognitive-behavioral techniques. Participants are randomly assigned to the online PCST or a comparison approach and complete guided online sessions covering relaxation, activity pacing, coping thoughts, and problem-solving. The team tracks pain, emotional well-being, quality of life, and medication adherence with regular questionnaires and remote follow-up. The program is designed to be delivered remotely so you can do sessions from home using a computer or tablet.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, the program could lower joint pain, improve daily functioning and mood, and help more survivors stay on their aromatase inhibitor medication.
How similar studies have gone: Therapist-delivered PCST and other CBT-based programs have improved pain and function in cancer and chronic musculoskeletal pain, but web-based PCST for aromatase inhibitor-related arthralgia is a newer application.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rini, Christine — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Rini, Christine
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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.