Couple-Based Mindfulness for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Distress
Official title: Addressing Colorectal Cancer-Related Distress: Developing and Evaluating a Couple-Based Mindfulness Intervention
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11393077 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A mindfulness program designed for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and their partners to help them cope with distress and strengthen their relationship.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 12, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $169,512 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA267313-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393077 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are adults with metastatic colorectal cancer and their intimate partners.
✕Less likely to help
Patients or partners not experiencing distress or who have limited access to video conferencing may experience less direct benefit.
What this research studies
This grant aims to create a four-session mindfulness program delivered by video for couples facing metastatic colorectal cancer. It starts by gathering input from 12 couples and 12 clinicians to tailor the content to real needs, then develops the program called MIND-Together. The team will pilot the intervention and refine it based on feedback to support mindful coping and reduce distress for both patients and their partners. The project focuses on practical, relationship-centered strategies that can be accessed remotely.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, couples facing mCRC could experience lower distress and better emotional connection, even during challenging treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Past studies show mindfulness can reduce distress in cancer patients and partners, but this couple-focused adaptation for mCRC is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zimmaro, Lauren a. — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Zimmaro, Lauren a.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Developing a mindfulness program for couples dealing with colorectal cancer
This study is testing a friendly online program called 'MIND-Together' to help couples dealing with metastatic colorectal cancer feel better emotionally and strengthen their relationship through mindfulness techniques.
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Improving colorectal cancer screening and follow-up care.
This study is working to help more people get screened for colorectal cancer and receive the follow-up care they need, especially those who haven't been screened much before, so that everyone can have better access to important health checks and improve their overall health.
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Mindfulness and Self-Hypnosis for Pain in Older Adults
This grant tests non-drug ways like mindfulness and self-hypnosis to help people over 60 manage chronic pain.
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Colorectal cancer prognosis through a broad, collaborative study
A large, multi-center study follows people newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer to find biomarkers and patterns that predict outcomes and guide future care.
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Mindfulness-based Support for Pain and Sleep in Young People with Sickle Cell Disease
A digital mindfulness program is being tailored for adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease to help with pain and sleep and is being tested for practicality and early effectiveness.
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Mindfulness training to lower cardiovascular risk for moms and babies during pregnancy
A mindfulness program is being tested during pregnancy to help prevent high blood pressure and heart problems for mothers and their babies.
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.