Brief Behavioral Activation to help older cancer survivors feel better
Official title: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Brief Behavioral Activation for Older Adult Cancer Survivors
Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11375557 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study will test a short behavioral therapy to help adults aged 65 and older who have survived cancer manage depression and stay engaged with care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $731,503 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA309492-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11375557 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 65 and older who have completed cancer treatment and are experiencing depressive symptoms or low mood.
✕Less likely to help
Older adults without depressive symptoms or those unable to participate in behavioral activation exercises may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a brief, practical therapy designed for older adults who have finished cancer treatment and are experiencing depression or low mood. The therapy focuses on activating daily routines and enjoyable activities to improve mood and health behaviors. It uses an R01-funded, randomized design to compare the brief activation approach with usual care over a set period. If successful, it could offer a scalable option that fits the needs and limitations of older survivors who may face mobility or fatigue challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants could feel less depressed and more likely to engage in follow-up cancer care and healthy behaviors.
How similar studies have gone: Behavioral activation has shown promise in adults and may be particularly helpful for older cancer survivors, though results in this exact population are being tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saracino, Rebecca — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Saracino, Rebecca
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
New ways to help survivors of childhood cancer move from pediatric to adult care
A pilot randomized trial across three health systems tests a new approach to help childhood and adolescent cancer survivors smoothly transition to adult survivorship care.
-
Web-based pain coping skills training to help breast cancer survivors on aromatase inhibitors feel better and stay adherent
A patient-friendly, online program uses coping skills to relieve AI-related joint pain and improve taking AI medication.
-
FoRtitude: an online program to ease fear of cancer recurrence for breast cancer survivors
A woman who has finished breast cancer treatment uses an online program to learn easy CBT-based steps to feel less worried about cancer coming back.
-
Help with health insurance for young adult cancer survivors
A program helps young adult cancer survivors understand their health insurance, reduce medical costs, and stay on track with recommended follow-up care.
-
Tele-CBT program to reduce body image distress after head and neck cancer
This project offers a five-session remote cognitive behavioral therapy (BRIGHT) to help head and neck cancer survivors who are struggling with appearance, speech, or swallowing changes.
-
FoRtitude: An eHealth program to help breast cancer survivors manage fear of recurrence
This program offers breast cancer survivors an online tool to help them cope with the worry that their cancer might come back.
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.