Testing a mobile app to help cancer patients manage pain
Official title: Initial Testing of a Mobile App Pain Coping Intervention for Outpatient Oncology Settings
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10843153 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a helpful mobile app called PainPac that gives cancer patients easy access to tips and strategies for managing their pain, so they can feel better and more in control anytime they need it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | May 17, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $178,760 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA273832-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10843153 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients experiencing moderate to severe pain who are seeking non-pharmacological pain management options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience significant pain or those who are not comfortable using mobile technology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of a mobile app called PainPac, designed to help cancer patients cope with pain through behavioral interventions. The app provides patients with cognitive-behavioral strategies for pain management, which can be accessed anytime on their smartphones or tablets. By automating the delivery of personalized coping skills based on patients' pain levels reported during oncology appointments, the app aims to improve patient engagement and outcomes. This approach addresses barriers to accessing traditional pain management therapies, making support more readily available.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide cancer patients with a convenient and effective tool for managing their pain, potentially improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with technology-based behavioral interventions for pain management, indicating a promising avenue for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kelleher, Sarah — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Kelleher, Sarah
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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.