NIH-funded research Career grant

Using machine learning to help doctors make better decisions for advanced cancer patients

Official title: Human-Machine Collaborations to Improve Prognosis and Clinical Decision-Making in Advanced Cancer

Funded at Emory University · NIH-11239355 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is working on a new way to help doctors better predict how long patients with advanced cancer might live, using smart computer tools alongside their medical expertise, so that patients can get the right care and support when they need it most.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmory University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project startJuly 5, 2021
Project endJune 30, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$193,023
NIH project number7K08CA263541-05
Project IDNIH-11239355 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced cancer who may benefit from improved prognostic assessments and advance care planning.

Less likely to help

Patients with early-stage cancer or those who are not receiving active treatment may not receive benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving the accuracy of prognosis for patients with advanced cancer by integrating machine learning algorithms with clinician expertise. The goal is to develop systems that help doctors better identify patients at risk of short-term mortality, which can lead to earlier and more effective advance care planning and palliative care. By leveraging electronic health records and advanced predictive models, the research aims to enhance clinical decision-making in oncology. Patients will benefit from a more accurate understanding of their prognosis, allowing for timely interventions and support.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved quality of life and care for patients with advanced cancer through better prognostic accuracy and timely palliative interventions.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using machine learning for prognostic assessments in oncology, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

  • Emory University
    Atlanta, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Parikh, Ravi Bharat — Emory University
  • Study coordinator: Parikh, Ravi Bharat

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Improving Care for Advanced Cancer Using Smart Technology

    This project helps doctors better understand the future health of advanced cancer patients by combining their expertise with smart computer programs, aiming for earlier and better care planning.

    NIH research Emory University · Atlanta, United States · NIH-11123903

  • Interactive visual aid to support stopping cancer treatment decisions in advanced cancer

    A mentored clinician-researcher will develop and test an interactive visual tool to help patients with advanced cancer, their caregivers, and clinicians communicate about stopping treatment in a way that respects patient values and reduces uncertainty.

    NIH research Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic · Lebanon, United States · NIH-11371154

  • Creating a visual tool to help patients decide when to stop cancer treatment

    This study is creating a helpful visual tool for patients with advanced cancer, their caregivers, and doctors to make it easier to talk about stopping treatments and to ensure that care decisions match what patients really want.

    NIH research Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic · Lebanon, United States · NIH-10983828

  • 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.

    NIH research Michigan State University · East Lansing, United States · NIH-9949982

  • 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.

    NIH research Aga Khan University (Pakistan) · Karachi, Pakistan · NIH-11624823

  • 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.

    NIH research University of Florida · Gainesville, United States · NIH-11620311

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.