Helping cancer caregivers find meaning and support
Official title: Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy to Meet Palliative Care Needs of Cancer Caregivers
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11230360 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special type of therapy can help family caregivers of cancer patients feel better and find meaning in their caregiving, making it easier for them to handle the emotional and physical challenges they face.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $443,526 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA285621-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11230360 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer who are experiencing emotional distress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not caregivers or those who do not have a family member with advanced cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on providing Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy to family caregivers of cancer patients, who often face significant emotional and physical burdens. The approach aims to address existential distress, which can lead to anxiety and depression, by helping caregivers find a sense of meaning and purpose in their caregiving roles. Through this intervention, caregivers will receive support to enhance their well-being and cope with the challenges of caring for patients with advanced cancer. The study will involve structured therapy sessions designed to empower caregivers and improve their quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the mental health and overall well-being of cancer caregivers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that interventions targeting existential distress can be effective, making this approach promising yet still innovative in the context of caregiver support.
Where this research is happening
-
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
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Finding meaning and support for people caring for loved ones with advanced cancer
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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.