Perioperative geriatric care to improve cancer surgery outcomes
Official title: Randomized Trial of a Perioperative Geriatric Intervention in Cancer Surgery
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11365342 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A multi-center trial tests a geriatric-focused perioperative program to help older adults recover better after major cancer surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $735,047 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG094916-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11365342 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults (typically 65+) scheduled for major cancer surgery who may have frailty, comorbidities, or polypharmacy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients undergoing minor surgeries or those without geriatric risk factors may see limited or no benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests PERI-OP, a geriatric intervention started before surgery and continued after to support older cancer patients. It combines a preoperative geriatric consultation with postoperative cooperative management by a geriatric team and surgeons. The goal is to reduce complications, shorten hospital stays, and improve quality of life after surgery. The study will enroll 354 patients at two major cancer centers and compare PERI-OP to usual care to see its impact on days alive at home and other outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could become a standard part of care that helps older patients recover faster and return home sooner after cancer surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous geriatric perioperative programs in cancer surgery have shown promise, with ongoing evaluations in multi-center settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shinall, Myrick C — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Shinall, Myrick C
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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.