Training to manage pain after breast cancer surgery

Persistent Post-Mastectomy Pain: Randomized Clinical Trial of Targeted Pain Coping Skills Training (Targeted-PCST) with Mediational Analysis

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-10889926

This study is looking at how teaching women with ongoing pain after breast cancer surgery some helpful ways to cope with that pain can make them feel better both emotionally and physically.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10889926 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how targeted pain coping skills training can help women experiencing persistent pain after breast cancer surgery. It aims to understand the psychological factors that contribute to ongoing pain and whether improving coping skills can alleviate this discomfort. Participants will engage in training designed to enhance their ability to manage pain through non-pharmacological methods, potentially leading to better emotional and physical functioning. The study will also analyze how factors like pain catastrophizing and self-efficacy influence pain outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women who have undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy and are experiencing persistent pain post-surgery.

Not a fit: Patients who have not had breast cancer surgery or those without persistent pain may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide effective non-drug strategies for managing persistent pain after breast cancer surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using psychosocial interventions to manage chronic pain, suggesting potential success for this 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.
Conditions Breast CancerCancersneoplasm/cancer
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.