Transformative patient navigation interventions for cancer care in diverse communities
Official title: Advancing Cancer Control Engaged Research Through Transformative Solutions in Patient Navigation - Community Responsive Projects
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11625561 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A nationwide cancer center is testing new, community-driven ways to help people with cancer navigate care and information, especially where access is challenging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $366,335 |
| NIH project number | 5U19CA291404-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11625561 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with advanced cancer or cancer who face barriers to access and information in the Northwestern catchment area.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with easy, unimpeded access to care may see minimal direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on developing and testing community-engaged ways to support cancer patients in navigating care, information, and services. It uses multilevel navigation approaches and implementation science to tailor solutions for people with limited access to care in Northwestern University’s catchment area. Two pilot projects, The Truth Talking Tour and Social Robots Empowering Patients, will be launched in the first year to address survivors’ unmet needs, language access, and health literacy, with a plan to fund additional rapid-response pilots. The effort emphasizes collaboration between researchers and community partners to improve cancer outcomes through practical, real-world interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience smoother access to care, clearer information, and better support throughout their cancer journey.
How similar studies have gone: Prior community-engaged navigation approaches have shown promise in improving care access and patient experience in oncology.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lewis, Marquita W. — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Lewis, Marquita W.
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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.