Using inherited genetic tests to personalize cancer treatments and pain medicines
Pharmacogenomics to Catalyze Decision Support in Oncology Care
This project will use your inherited genetic information to help doctors choose and dose chemotherapy and pain medicines for people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11328802 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you take part, you'll provide a blood or saliva sample for inherited (germline) genetic testing before treatment. Those genetic results will be placed into clinical decision support tools so your doctors receive guidance when choosing cancer drugs and pain medications and adjusting doses. The study team will follow participants over time to compare side effects, pain control, and treatment outcomes when genetic guidance is used versus usual care. The work will be carried out at the University of Chicago using their pharmacogenomics and oncology programs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with cancer who are about to start chemotherapy or who need prescription pain medications and can receive care at participating University of Chicago clinics.
Not a fit: Patients without cancer, those not starting systemic cancer treatment, or people unable to attend the study site are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce chemotherapy side effects and improve pain control by personalizing drug choices and doses.
How similar studies have performed: Some single-gene pharmacogenomic tests have improved drug safety in other settings, but using preemptive germline testing broadly in oncology and pain management remains relatively untested in randomized settings.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'donnell, Peter Hugh — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: O'donnell, Peter Hugh
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 below.