Tech-based pain support for Asian American breast cancer survivors
Official title: Cancer Pain Management: A Technology-Based Intervention for Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11179187 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project is building an easy-to-use web and mobile program to help Asian American breast cancer survivors with chronic pain and depression get personalized information and coaching.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,116,366 |
| NIH project number | 5R33CA280979-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11179187 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Asian American breast cancer survivors who are experiencing ongoing pain and have depressive symptoms and who can access and use a smartphone or computer are the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without persistent pain, non–Asian American survivors, those unable to use web or mobile technologies, or those needing immediate in-person specialist care may not benefit from this app-based program.
What this research studies
The team will expand an existing web and mobile app (CAPA) to add mood-focused content and an individual optimization feature (CAI) that tailors coaching and resources to each person. In the first phase they will develop and refine these new components with input from survivors, and in the second phase they will test the improved program with survivors who have chronic pain and depressive symptoms. Participants will use the app on their phone or computer, receive information, coaching/support modules, and complete brief surveys about pain, mood, and daily function. The researchers will compare symptoms and quality-of-life measures before and after using the app to see whether the tailored program helps.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce chronic pain and depressive symptoms and improve daily functioning and quality of life for Asian American breast cancer survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Web- and mobile-based pain self-management programs have shown promise in prior pilots, but combining tailored mood support specifically for Asian American breast cancer survivors is a newer approach being tested here.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Im, Eun-Ok — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Im, Eun-Ok
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Cancer Pain Management for Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors with Depressive Symptoms
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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.