Web-based pain coping skills training to help breast cancer survivors on aromatase inhibitors feel better and stay adherent
Official title: Web-based Pain Coping Skills Training to Improve Pain and Poor Adherence caused by Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Arthralgia In Breast Cancer Survivors (SKIP-Arthralgia): A Randomized Controlled Trial
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11389373 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly, online program uses coping skills to relieve AI-related joint pain and improve taking AI medication.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $638,144 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA271220-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11389373 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Postmenopausal breast cancer survivors with HR+ tumors who are using aromatase inhibitors and experiencing arthralgia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without AI-related joint pain or those unable to use or access online interventions may see less direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project offers a web-based cognitive-behavioral therapy–informed program to help postmenopausal breast cancer survivors manage AI-associated joint pain. It will be delivered online to fit into patients’ lives and aims to reduce pain and improve consistency in taking aromatase inhibitors. The approach builds practical skills for coping with discomfort and sticking with treatment, with support from trained therapists when needed. If successful, it could lead to better quality of life and fewer AI-related adherence problems for many survivors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience less pain and better ability to stay on AI therapy, potentially improving long-term cancer outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Past trials show PCST can reduce pain and disability in cancer and other conditions, but this exact AI-related arthralgia application is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rini, Christine — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Rini, Christine
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Online pain-coping program for joint pain from aromatase inhibitors
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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.