Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Duke University received a $668,691 Project Grant from the National Cancer Institute under the Cancer Treatment Research program (CFDA 93.395) effective March 11, 2026, with completion targeted for February 28, 2031. The award funds a hierarchical 2x2 factorial randomized controlled trial (RCT) that evaluates two evidence-based interventions designed to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for older women (age 65+) with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer undergoing adjuvant aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy. The research addresses the significant clinical burden of AI-associated adverse effects, particularly arthralgia affecting over 70% of older women, which leads to treatment discontinuation and progressive disability.

The project delivers two complementary clinical interventions: the Geriatric Oncology Assessment to Link with Support for AI Therapy (GOAL-AI) intervention, which integrates geriatric oncology training, brief geriatric assessment, and assessment-guided recommendations at the clinic and provider level; and a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-based Coping Skills Training intervention for AI therapy (CST-AI) that teaches patients skills for managing AI-associated arthralgia and other treatment-related side effects. Guided by the Expanded Chronic Care Model, these interventions are designed to address the intersecting impacts of geriatric-specific health issues and treatment toxicity, with the ultimate goal of reducing excess morbidity, improving health-related quality of life, and preventing avoidable mortality among this vulnerable population.