Adding spiritual care or psychotherapy to palliative care for people with advanced cancer

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This phase III interventional trial will compare survival in patients with metastatic, non-curative malignancies who receive standard palliative care (and chemotherapy when recommended) versus those who also receive chaplain-provided spiritual care or psychotherapy with meditation. Participants must have histologically confirmed metastatic disease with an expected life expectancy of one year or less and an ECOG performance status of 0–3. Interventions are delivered alongside the palliative care services provided by the Houston Methodist Palliative Care Department. The study aims to determine whether adding structured spiritual or psychological support affects survival outcomes compared with palliative care alone.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients are eligible to be included in the trial only if all of the following criteria apply

* The patient provides written informed consent for the trial.
* Male or female ≥18 years of age on the day of informed consent signing.
* Histologically confirmed metastatic disease with life expectancy of one year or less.
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 to 3.
* Willing and able to comply with the protocol for the duration of the trial including undergoing scheduled visits and interventions.

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients are excluded from the trial if any of the following criteria apply:

* Known psychiatric or substance abuse disorders that would interfere with cooperation with the requirements of the trial. If a patient develops a psychiatric disorder after baseline, he/she will not be taken off the trial.
* Mobility limitations that would interfere with cooperation with the requirements of the trial.
* Confirmed positive pregnancy test in women of child bearing potential.

Where it's running

• Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center
  Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Hanh Mai, DO — Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center
• Study coordinator: Hanh Mai, DO
• Email: hmai2@houstonmethodist.org
• Phone: 713-441-2814

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.