A psychotherapy program for older adults with cancer

Cancer and Aging Reflections for Elders (CARE): A Geriatric-Specific Psychotherapy for Older Adults with Cancer

NIH-funded research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-10833598

This study is testing a friendly phone therapy program called CARE, designed to help older adults with cancer feel better emotionally and stick to their treatment, especially those living in rural areas.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10833598 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a specialized psychotherapy intervention called Cancer and Aging: Reflections for Elders (CARE) aimed at older adults diagnosed with cancer. The CARE intervention consists of five telephone sessions designed to address depression and emotional distress, which are common among older cancer patients, especially those living in rural areas. By integrating theories of aging and feedback from patients, the program aims to improve mental health and treatment adherence. The intervention is tailored to the unique challenges faced by older adults, making it accessible and relevant to their experiences.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with cancer, particularly those experiencing depressive symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients who are not diagnosed with cancer or who do not have depressive symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the mental health and treatment outcomes for older adults with cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that tailored psychotherapy interventions can effectively reduce depression in older adults, suggesting a promising avenue for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.