NIH-funded research R01 grant

Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Mexican patients with advanced cancer

Official title: Trial of Meaning Centered Psychotherapy for Mexican Patients with Advanced Cancer

Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11404409 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A new therapy called Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy is tested for Mexican adults with advanced cancer to help them cope with mortality, uncertainty, and spiritual concerns.

More Advanced Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2024
Project endMay 31, 2029
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$651,309
NIH project number5R01MH137857-03
Project IDNIH-11404409 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with advanced cancer in Mexico, and their caregivers, who can engage in psychotherapy sessions and complete assessments.

Less likely to help

Patients with very rapid disease progression or severe cognitive impairment may not experience measurable psychosocial benefit.

What this research studies

This project will adapt and test Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Mexican cancer patients at INCan, focusing on sustaining meaning, peace, and purpose at end of life. The study builds on a culturally adapted version already feasible in Spanish-speaking Latinos in the U.S. and aims to validate it in a Mexican clinical setting with high patient throughput. Researchers will work with psycho-oncology teams at INCan to deliver the intervention and measure mood, distress, and quality of life outcomes. The goal is to provide a culturally resonant psychosocial option that addresses end-of-life concerns for patients and families.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience reduced distress and greater sense of meaning and peace during advanced cancer care.

How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot work in Spanish-speaking Latinos showed feasibility; this study moves to formal testing in a Mexican clinical setting.

Where this research is happening

  • Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Costas-Muniz, Rosario — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
  • Study coordinator: Costas-Muniz, Rosario

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.