Understanding how racism affects cancer pain treatment equity
Official title: A multi-level examination of the influences of racism on cancer pain equity
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11041138 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different racial and ethnic groups of cancer patients experience pain management, especially when it comes to using opioids, and aims to find ways to improve pain relief for everyone by understanding their unique challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 21, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $653,887 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA279414-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11041138 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include cancer patients, particularly those who are Black or Hispanic, and those experiencing significant pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing cancer pain or who do not belong to racial or ethnic minority groups may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to explore the racial and ethnic disparities in the management of cancer pain, particularly focusing on how these disparities affect the use of opioids among cancer patients. By analyzing data from a large population of cancer patients, the study seeks to identify the key factors contributing to inequities in pain management. The goal is to develop a multi-level intervention that addresses these disparities and improves pain treatment for affected populations. Patients will be involved in understanding their experiences and the barriers they face in receiving adequate pain relief.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more equitable pain management practices for cancer patients of color, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have highlighted disparities in opioid management among cancer patients, indicating that this research builds on existing knowledge but aims to address gaps in understanding and intervention.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Enzinger, Andrea C — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Enzinger, Andrea C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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-
Intervention to reduce opioid stigma in cancer pain for advanced cancer patients
A patient-friendly plan to help people with advanced cancer manage pain better by reducing stigma around using opioid pain medicines.
-
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A nationwide Mayo Clinic-led program tests a digitally-supported, team-based approach to managing cancer pain that may help patients and survivors receive better, safer pain care.
-
Truncated TrkB and Oral Cancer Pain in Head and Neck Cancer
This project looks at a specific brain receptor told to influence pain in people with oral cancer to find new ways to reduce pain without heavy opioids.
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Understanding how mouth cancer proteases drive pain in patients
This NIH grant looks at how enzymes in oral cancer tumors may cause pain, aiming to connect specific proteases with how patients feel pain.
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.