Telemedicine and mobile health support to ease symptoms for advanced cancer patients in rural areas
Official title: Randomized clinical trial of a telemedicine-mHealth symptom cluster intervention for advanced cancer patients: Increasing access in rural communities
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11391236 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A short, patient-friendly trial tests a four-module telemedicine-mHealth program designed to help people with advanced cancer who live in rural communities feel better and sleep more soundly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $652,743 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA281885-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11391236 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with advanced cancer living in rural communities who have notable sleep or mood-related symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without significant symptom burden or those unable to use mobile/telehealth tools may derive little benefit.
What this research studies
This project builds on a earlier pilot and uses a brief, four-module, at-home program delivered through telemedicine and mobile health tools to help manage sleep problems, worry, depression, and fatigue. It aims to provide practical skill-building that patients can use in daily life, without requiring many in-person visits. Participants will engage with digital modules, track symptoms, and receive guided support to improve quality of life despite advanced cancer. If successful, the program could become a scalable option for rural patients who have limited access to cancer-support resources.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience less sleep disturbance, reduced worry and depression, and improved energy and daily functioning.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data from a pilot trial showed meaningful improvements in sleep, worry, depression, and fatigue.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wells-Di Gregorio, Sharla Maelyn — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Wells-Di Gregorio, Sharla Maelyn
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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.