Support program for patients and caregivers with advanced gynecologic and gastrointestinal 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-11008925 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program pairs patients and their caregivers with a nurse, regular telehealth check-ins, and a symptom-tracking app to help manage severe symptoms and reduce hospital visits for people with advanced GI or gynecologic cancers.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $683,515 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA270040-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11008925 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with advanced gastrointestinal or gynecologic cancers who have complex symptoms (for example ascites, bowel obstruction, ostomies, or drains) and a willing family caregiver are the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People with early-stage disease, no complex symptom-management needs, no available caregiver, or no access to telehealth or a smartphone may not gain benefit from this program.
What this research studies
You would be paired with a nurse who keeps in touch over time through scheduled telehealth visits. You'll use a mobile platform to report symptoms between visits so your care team can respond quickly. The program also gives tailored training for managing complex issues like drains, ostomies, or ascites and skills support for family caregivers. The trial randomizes patients across several cancer centers to compare this enhanced support with usual care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve quality of life, ease symptoms, and reduce burdensome hospital stays for patients while lowering caregiver strain.
How similar studies have gone: A prior pilot randomized trial showed BOLSTER was feasible and acceptable, but larger trials are needed to confirm clinical benefits.
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
Related research
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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.