Tele-CBT program to reduce body image distress after head and neck cancer
Official title: A Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate a Novel Treatment Strategy for Body Image-Related Distress Among Head and Neck Cancer Survivors
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11237982 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project offers a five-session remote cognitive behavioral therapy (BRIGHT) to help head and neck cancer survivors who are struggling with appearance, speech, or swallowing changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $631,942 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA269385-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11237982 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who have been treated for head and neck cancer and are experiencing distress about appearance, speaking, or swallowing and who can use telehealth are the intended participants.
✕Less likely to help
People without body image concerns, those unable to use remote video visits, or those needing intensive psychiatric or medical intervention may not benefit from this program.
What this research studies
If you join, you would be randomized to receive BRIGHT, a five-session manualized tele-CBT program, or a comparison condition delivered remotely. The team will use surveys and clinical measures to track changes in body image-related distress, mood, social functioning, and quality of life over time. Researchers will also study how BRIGHT produces change and what might help clinics adopt it into routine care. The program builds on earlier pilot work showing feasibility and early benefits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, BRIGHT could reduce body image distress and related depression and isolation, improving day-to-day quality of life for head and neck cancer survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Early single-arm and pilot randomized data showed BRIGHT was feasible, acceptable, and led to meaningful reductions in body image distress at 1- and 3-month follow-up.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Graboyes, Evan Michael — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Graboyes, Evan Michael
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Evaluating a new therapy for body image issues in head and neck cancer survivors
This study is testing a friendly online program called BRIGHT that helps head and neck cancer survivors feel better about their appearance and self-image after treatment, making it easier for them to cope with any distress they may have.
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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.