Supporting resilience in teens and young adults after cancer

Promoting Resilience in Early Survivorship among Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer

NIH-funded research Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11319887

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11319887 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adolescents and young adults aged about 12–25 who have completed active cancer treatment and are entering early survivorship are the ideal candidates.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Adolescent and young adult cancer patientsAdolescent and young adult cancer populationAdolescent and young adults with cancerCancer Burden
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.