Testing a mobile app to help cancer patients manage pain

Initial Testing of a Mobile App Pain Coping Intervention for Outpatient Oncology Settings

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-10843153

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 typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10843153 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients experiencing moderate to severe pain who are seeking non-pharmacological pain management options.

Not a fit: Patients who do not experience significant pain or those who are not comfortable using mobile technology may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Durham, 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.
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.