Understanding how social networks help older adults with advanced cancer
Official title: Pathways to Resilience of Social Networks of Older Adults with Advanced Cancer
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-10976544 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the friendships and support systems of older adults with advanced cancer can help them make important health decisions and improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $750,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA295130-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10976544 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and over who have been diagnosed with advanced cancer and have an estimated survival of less than 12 months.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or those with early-stage cancer may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of social networks in supporting older adults with advanced cancer, particularly those with a limited life expectancy. It aims to explore how the structure, function, and quality of relationships within these networks influence important health behaviors, such as engaging in serious illness conversations and advance care planning. By focusing on the social connections that provide emotional and instrumental support, the study seeks to identify ways to improve the quality of life and care for these patients. The research will involve analyzing various aspects of social networks and their impact on health-related decisions at the end of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the quality of life and care for older adults with advanced cancer by promoting effective communication and planning for end-of-life care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that social support networks can significantly impact health outcomes for patients with serious illnesses, indicating a promising avenue for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mohile, Supriya G. — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Mohile, Supriya G.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Helping Advanced Cancer Patients and Families Plan Ahead with a Resilience-Building Web Program
A web-based resilience program is being tested to help people with advanced cancer and their family caregivers have meaningful conversations and complete advance directives.
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Web program to help people with advanced cancer and their caregivers talk about future medical wishes
This project tries a web-based resilience program to help adults with advanced cancer and their family caregivers talk about future care and complete advance directives.
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Paths to resilience through social networks for older adults with advanced cancer
This grant looks at how the people and relationships around older adults with advanced cancer help shape their health choices and use of care near the end of life.
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How social connections shape care choices for older adults with advanced cancer
This project looks at how the people in an older adult's life and the quality of those relationships affect having serious illness conversations, completing advance care plans, and using palliative care.
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Helping advanced cancer patients and their families plan for future care
This study is testing a friendly online program to help people with advanced cancer and their family caregivers feel stronger and more confident in making important medical decisions together.
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Helping adolescents and young adults with advanced cancer manage stress and build resilience
This study is testing a supportive program called PRISM for young people with advanced cancer, which includes personal sessions to help them manage stress and set goals, along with a family meeting to talk about their needs, all aimed at improving their well-being during this tough time.
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.