Novel behavioral therapy to ease fear of cancer progression in advanced cancer patients
Official title: Randomized Trial of a Novel Approach to Addressing Fear of Progression in Advanced Cancer
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-11379002 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A randomized trial tests a new behavior-based approach to reduce fear and distress in adults with advanced cancer who are living with uncertainty about their disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $641,673 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA300028-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11379002 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years or older with advanced cancer who are actively followed and willing to participate in a behavioral therapy program.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not experiencing high levels of fear of progression or those unable to participate in behavioral therapy may see little personal benefit.
What this research studies
This project offers a patient-friendly behavioral treatment tailored for adults with advanced cancer to help manage fear of progression and related trauma symptoms. Participants will receive structured therapy designed to lessen anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and avoidance, with outcomes tracked over time. By focusing on coping skills and trauma-informed strategies, the study aims to improve quality of life and reduce unnecessary healthcare use in a population facing ongoing uncertainty.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants could experience less anxiety and fear about disease progression and an improved daily quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Behavioral interventions for fear and trauma have shown promise in other cancer populations, though a trial in adults with advanced cancer in the US is a novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arch, Joanna J — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Arch, Joanna J
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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.