Project Title: A multidisciplinary cancer pain research network to improve the classification, assessment, and management of difficult cancer pain problems (PAIN-NET)

Principal Investigator: Hagen, Neil; Fainsinger, Robin; Brasher, Penelope

Contact Information:
Carla Stiles
Palliative Care Research Manager TBCC
Room 374, HMRB
3330 Hospital Dr. N.W.
Calgary, AB  T2N 4N1
Telephone:  403-210-8423
Fax:  403-270-0834
Email : carlasti@cancerboard.ab.ca

Abstract:
Cancer pain is a serious, national public health issue. While it can often be controlled, for patients with difficult pain problems such as neuropathic pain and breakthrough pain, the outlook for relief of pain and suffering is often grim. This research proposal is a vision to create an innovative, coordinated, multidisciplinary Network involving many of Canada’s leaders in cancer pain practice and research, to improve the outcome for patients with difficult cancer pain problems. By the end of the 5-year period of funding, the Cancer Pain Research Network (CPRN) will have achieved the following: measurably improved control of cancer related breakthrough pain, neuropathic pain and pain from malignant wounds; established an internationally-recognized cancer pain research program; implemented across the country a critically needed standardized approach to key elements of cancer pain research; developed the most comprehensive multidimensional cancer pain classification system to date; substantially enhanced the capacity for translational research by increasing the quality and quantity of communication between clinical cancer pain researchers and other important groups, such as health care providers, decision-makers, and basic scientists; developed an innovative and rigorous graduate research training model; and enhanced research capacity in Canada by translating methodology gleaned from this cancer pain research initiative to other related areas of palliative and end of life care research.