Using a mobile app to help manage pain for cancer patients
Official title: Integrating pain-CBT into an mHealth analgesic support intervention for patients withchronic pain from advanced cancers
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11247800 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a friendly smartphone app that helps people with advanced cancer manage their pain using a type of therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, making it easier for them to get support and track their symptoms and medications right from their phone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 17, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $127,877 |
| NIH project number | 7K08CA266937-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11247800 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced, incurable cancers who experience chronic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancers or those not experiencing significant pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a mobile health application that integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) specifically designed for pain management in patients with advanced cancer. Traditional in-person CBT sessions can be challenging for these patients, so the study will adapt this therapy into a more accessible format through a smartphone app. The app will not only provide pain-CBT but also assist in monitoring symptoms and managing opioid medications, making it a comprehensive tool for pain relief. By leveraging technology, the goal is to create a supportive environment that addresses both psychological and medical needs for those suffering from chronic pain due to cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve pain management and quality of life for patients with advanced cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using mobile health technologies for pain management, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Azizoddin, Desiree R — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Azizoddin, Desiree R
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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.