NIH-funded research R37 grant

Understanding what makes palliative care effective for patients with metastatic cancer

Official title: Determinants of Palliative Care Effectiveness for Patients with Metastatic Cancer

Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11044074 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how different parts of palliative care teams can improve the quality of life for people with advanced cancer, aiming to find the best ways to support patients and help hospitals provide better care.

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startFebruary 3, 2021
Project endJanuary 31, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$513,476
NIH project number5R37CA246565-05
Project IDNIH-11044074 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced metastatic cancer who are seeking palliative care services.

Less likely to help

Patients with early-stage cancer or those not receiving palliative care may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how different aspects of palliative care teams impact the quality of life for patients with advanced cancer. It aims to quantify the relationship between specialist palliative care and end-of-life quality metrics, while also exploring how variations in team characteristics and operational methods affect care delivery. By utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research methods, the study seeks to identify best practices in palliative care that can enhance patient outcomes. The findings could help hospitals implement more effective palliative care programs tailored to patient needs.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved quality of life and better end-of-life care for patients with metastatic cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that specialist palliative care can improve patient outcomes, indicating that this research builds on established findings while addressing gaps in knowledge.

Where this research is happening

  • Columbia University Health Sciences
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Hua, May — Columbia University Health Sciences
  • Study coordinator: Hua, May

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.