A therapy to help patients with brain tumors cope with distress and improve their coping skills

An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-Based Psychosocial Intervention to Alleviate Distress and Promote Adaptive Coping Skills in Patients with Malignant Primary Central Nervous System Tumors

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10806473

This study is creating a supportive program to help people with brain tumors manage their feelings and improve their quality of life, and it’s designed just for them to tackle the tough emotions and loneliness that can come with their diagnosis.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10806473 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a psychosocial intervention based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy specifically for patients with malignant primary central nervous system tumors. It aims to address the unique emotional and psychological challenges these patients face due to their condition, including high levels of distress and social isolation. The approach involves refining the intervention through stakeholder interviews and a pilot study, followed by a randomized controlled trial to assess its feasibility and effectiveness in enhancing coping skills and overall quality of life.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with malignant primary central nervous system tumors who are experiencing distress related to their condition.

Not a fit: Patients with non-malignant brain tumors or those who do not experience significant distress may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the emotional well-being and coping abilities of patients with malignant CNS tumors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that psychosocial interventions can be effective in improving coping skills and quality of life for cancer patients, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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.
Conditions Advanced CancerCNS Cancer
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.