DESCANSO: A friendly CBT plan to ease depression, sleep problems, and fatigue in Latino cancer patients

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project adapts a cognitive behavioral therapy approach specifically for Latino cancer patients to address a common cluster of symptoms: depression, insomnia, and fatigue. The team will refine the DESCANSO program using culturally appropriate strategies and deliver it first in a pilot format, then through a randomized method to test feasibility and preliminary effectiveness. The study will use telehealth to reach patients across clinics in New York and Puerto Rico, aiming to reduce barriers to access. Researchers will follow recognized behavioral treatment development steps and cultural adaptation frameworks to ensure the program fits patients’ real-world lives. The effort seeks to improve day-to-day quality of life for participants by targeting multiple symptoms together rather than one at a time.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Ponce School of Medicine
  Ponce, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Costas-Muniz, Rosario — Ponce School of Medicine
• Study coordinator: Costas-Muniz, Rosario

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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.