Helping older cancer survivors manage depression through behavioral activation.

Behavioral Activation for Depression in Older Adult Cancer Survivors: Pilot Randomized Control Trial and Implementation Outcomes

NIH-funded research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11047670

This study is looking to improve depression treatment for older adults who have survived cancer by making a therapy called Behavioral Activation more engaging and accessible, and it will involve feedback from both survivors and healthcare providers to make it better.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11047670 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on older adult cancer survivors who are experiencing significant depression. It aims to adapt a treatment called Behavioral Activation (BA) to better engage these individuals in effective depression care. The study will gather feedback from cancer survivors and healthcare providers to refine the treatment approach and identify barriers to accessing care. By using a combination of pilot testing and randomized control trials, the research seeks to implement a practical solution for improving mental health in this vulnerable population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer survivors aged 65 and older who are at least one year post-treatment and experiencing symptoms of depression.

Not a fit: Patients who are not cancer survivors or those who do not meet the age and treatment timeline criteria may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide older cancer survivors with effective strategies to manage their depression, improving their overall quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using behavioral activation for depression treatment, particularly in older adults, indicating a potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.