Adapted resiliency program for parents of adolescents and young adults with cancer
The RAISE Study: Adapting Psychosocial Resiliency Intervention for Parents of Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer
NA · Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT07139769
This project will try a group-based resiliency program to reduce distress in parents who care for adolescents and young adults (ages 15–39) with cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT07139769 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The team will adapt an evidence-supported, group-based Stress Management and Resiliency Training program (SMART-3RP) specifically for parents of AYA with cancer and iteratively refine it using feedback collected through interviews and surveys. After adaptation, the refined intervention will be piloted to measure feasibility, acceptability, and early signs that it can lower parental psychological distress. The pilot will enroll English-speaking parents or guardians over age 18 who are primary informal caregivers for an AYA currently in cancer treatment and who report at least mild distress. Outcomes will include measures of feasibility (enrollment and retention), participant satisfaction, and changes in distress levels.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking parents or guardians aged over 18 who are the primary informal caregiver of a child aged 15–39 currently receiving cancer treatment and who report at least mild distress (NCCN Distress Thermometer ≥2).
Not a fit: This intervention is unlikely to help parents with active psychosis or current suicidal ideation, non-English speakers, or caregivers who cannot participate at the study location or who have another household member already enrolled in the same study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could reduce stress and improve coping for parents, which may enhance caregiver well-being and family functioning.
How similar studies have performed: SMART-3RP and related resiliency programs have shown benefits for stress reduction in other medical and caregiving populations, but adapting this program specifically for parents of AYA with cancer is a novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Self-identifying parent/guardian who provides a primary informal caregiving role in their child's cancer * Recipient of caregiving is aged between 15 and 39 years and is receiving treatment for cancer * Participant must score equal to or greater than 2 (out of a possible 10) on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer * English-speaking * Aged over 18 years Exclusion Criteria: * Having a co-parent or other household member participating in the same study * Active symptoms of psychosis or suicidal ideation that would preclude safe participation
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Zeba N Ahmad, Ph.D.
- Email: zahmad2@mgh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 16177241586
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Caregiving for Cancer, adolescents and young adults with cancer, cancer caregivers