Supporting resilience in teens and young adults after cancer
Official title: Promoting Resilience in Early Survivorship among Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11319887 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project offers brief coaching sessions plus a smartphone app to help teens and young adults (ages 12–25) cope better during the early period after cancer treatment.
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 | March 10, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $788,243 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA269574-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11319887 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adolescents and young adults aged about 12–25 who have completed active cancer treatment and are entering early survivorship are the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People still undergoing intensive active cancer treatment, individuals older than the target age range, those without smartphone access, or those needing immediate intensive psychiatric care may not benefit from this program.
What this research studies
You would receive four 30–60 minute telehealth sessions with a trained PRISM coach and access to a companion smartphone app that reinforces skills like stress management, goal-setting, and positive reframing. The study uses a multi-center, adaptive design to test whether digital content can replace or supplement coach-led sessions and whether real-time monitoring (like phone sensors) can identify when extra support is needed. Previous work with PRISM showed improved resilience, quality of life, hope, and reduced distress, and this trial aims to make the program easier to scale and longer-lasting. Participation involves remote visits and use of the app, with additional supports offered based on how you respond over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help young cancer survivors feel more resilient, less distressed, and better able to return to school, work, and social life after treatment.
How similar studies have gone: A prior phase 2 randomized trial of PRISM in AYAs showed improved resilience, quality of life, hope, benefit-finding, and reduced psychological distress, indicating promising earlier results.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosenberg, Abby R — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Rosenberg, Abby R
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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.