Finding meaning and support for people caring for loved ones with advanced cancer
Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy to Meet Palliative Care Needs of Cancer Caregivers
['FUNDING_R01'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11304532
This project offers a psychotherapy program to help people who care for loved ones with advanced cancer reduce existential distress and feel more supported.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11304532 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you are caring for someone with advanced cancer, this program uses an approach called Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy that has been adapted for caregivers. You would join guided sessions aimed at addressing feelings of meaninglessness, anxiety, and caregiver burden and at supporting communication and advance care planning. The research team will track changes in mood, quality of life, and bereavement-related outcomes over time. Participation may include individual or group sessions and follow-up contacts to see how caregivers are doing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adult family members or close friends who provide care for someone with advanced, life-limiting cancer and who are experiencing caregiving burden or existential distress are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who are not actively providing care for an advanced cancer patient, who do not want psychotherapy, or who have uncontrolled severe psychiatric conditions may not receive benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reduce anxiety and depression, boost a sense of meaning and purpose, and improve quality of life for caregivers.
How similar studies have performed: Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy has helped reduce existential distress in patients with cancer, and adapting it for caregivers is promising though less extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: APPLEBAUM, ALLISON — ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- Study coordinator: APPLEBAUM, ALLISON
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 below.
Conditions: Advanced Cancer