Using AI to improve communication in prostate cancer treatment decisions
Official title: Natural Language Processing Based Consultation Feedback to Improve Patient Decision Making and Physician Risk Communication
Funded at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-11050859 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a helpful tool that uses technology to make it easier for men with prostate cancer to understand their treatment options during doctor visits, so they can make better choices that fit their personal values and preferences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $381,129 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA290559-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050859 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men diagnosed with prostate cancer who are facing treatment decisions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not diagnosed with prostate cancer or those who are not involved in treatment decision-making may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the decision-making process for patients with prostate cancer by using a natural language processing (NLP) system. The system provides real-time feedback during consultations, helping both patients and physicians better understand the risks and benefits of various treatment options. By summarizing key points discussed in consultations, it aims to improve patient awareness and reduce confusion, ultimately leading to more informed decisions. The approach emphasizes shared decision-making, where patients are actively involved in choosing their treatment based on their values and preferences.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could empower patients with prostate cancer to make more informed treatment decisions, leading to better health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that using technology to enhance communication in medical settings can improve patient understanding and decision-making, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Daskivich, Timothy — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Daskivich, Timothy
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how octopuses integrate sensory information and make decisions
This study is exploring how octopuses use their arms to grip things by looking closely at their nervous system and movements, which could help us understand their amazing abilities better.
-
NoviGuide for Newborn Care in Pakistan
A small NIH grant to test a pocket-sized decision support tool for nurses and doctors to improve newborn care in Pakistan.
-
Understanding how aging and Alzheimer’s affect how people make tough choices
This NIH grant studies how aging and Alzheimer’s risk change how people decide between immediate and delayed rewards and risky options, with the goal of helping older adults stay financially and healthwise safer.
-
Shared decision-making to prevent cancer in South Africa
A multi-level, school-based program in South Africa helps families, teachers, and health workers make informed choices to prevent cervical and related cancers, especially where HIV is common.
-
Improving contraception decisions for women with substance use disorders after childbirth
A patient-centered decision tool called MyPath aims to help postpartum women with substance use disorders choose and keep effective contraception after giving birth.
-
Alcohol use and suicidal thoughts: how decision-making affects risk
This project looks at how acute alcohol use and people’s decision-making patterns relate to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adults.
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.