Helping advanced gastrointestinal cancer patients and their caregivers manage fatigue and stress
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Patient Fatigue Interference and Caregiver Burden in Advanced Gastrointestinal Cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS · NIH-11077263
This study is looking at how a special therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help people with advanced gastrointestinal cancer feel less tired and improve their overall well-being, while also supporting their family caregivers who may be feeling overwhelmed. The program includes helpful phone calls with mindfulness exercises and ways to identify what matters most to them, and it will involve 244 patient-caregiver pairs to see how well it works compared to regular care.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11077263 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help advanced gastrointestinal cancer patients cope with fatigue and improve their quality of life, while also supporting their family caregivers who experience increased burden. The study involves a telephone-based intervention that combines mindfulness exercises and value identification to enhance patient functioning and reduce caregiver stress. By focusing on both patients and caregivers, the research aims to create a supportive environment that addresses the emotional and practical challenges faced by both groups. The trial will involve 244 patient-caregiver pairs, who will be randomly assigned to receive the ACT intervention or standard care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing moderate to severe fatigue due to advanced gastrointestinal cancer.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancer or those not experiencing significant fatigue may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers by reducing fatigue and caregiver burden.
How similar studies have performed: Previous pilot studies have shown promise for ACT in reducing fatigue and caregiver burden, indicating a potential for success in this larger trial.
Where this research is happening
INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS — INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MOSHER, CATHERINE E — INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS
- Study coordinator: MOSHER, CATHERINE E
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