Testing a telehealth program to help patients with advanced cancer manage symptoms
Official title: Engage: A Randomized Controlled Trial Testing the Efficacy of a Telehealth-Delivered Psychosocial Intervention to Decrease Symptom Interference in Patients with Advanced Cancer
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10936635 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a friendly online program called ENGAGE that helps people with advanced cancer manage tough symptoms like pain and fatigue, using helpful techniques to improve their daily lives and well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $578,467 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA291768-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10936635 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with advanced cancer who experience significant pain, fatigue, or distress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancer or those not experiencing significant symptom interference may not benefit from this intervention.
What this research studies
This research investigates a telehealth-delivered psychosocial intervention called ENGAGE, aimed at helping patients with advanced cancer manage symptoms like pain, fatigue, and distress. The program incorporates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to improve patients' quality of life by teaching them skills to cope with their symptoms and engage in meaningful activities. Participants will receive support through virtual sessions, making it accessible and convenient for those facing advanced cancer. The goal is to reduce symptom interference in daily life and enhance overall well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for patients with advanced cancer by providing effective coping strategies for managing distressing symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot trials of similar ACT-based interventions have shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this larger efficacy trial.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Winger, Joseph Giles — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Winger, Joseph Giles
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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BOLSTER: Strengthening Care for Advanced Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers
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Engage: Telehealth psychosocial support to reduce symptom interference in advanced cancer
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A telehealth program tests a therapy designed to help adults 60 and older living with advanced cancer feel less distress and improve emotion regulation and quality of life.
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Engage: A Telehealth Program to Help Patients with Advanced Cancer Manage Symptoms
This program offers a telehealth-delivered approach to help patients with advanced cancer better manage symptoms like pain, fatigue, and distress that interfere with their daily lives.
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Testing a meditation support program for Black patients with advanced cancer
This study is looking at how a special meditation program can help Black patients with advanced cancer and their family caregivers cope better and feel less stressed, making sure it fits their unique needs and can be easily included in their care.
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.