Anxiety treatment for Latino older adults with cancer and their caregivers

Managing Anxiety From Cancer (MAC): Evaluation of a Tailored Anxiety Intervention for Latino Older Adults With Cancer and Their Caregivers

Not applicable Interventional Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center · NCT06305741

This study tests a new anxiety treatment program for Latino older adults with cancer and their caregivers to see if it helps them feel less anxious.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation
Locations7 sites (Basking Ridge, New Jersey and 6 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06305741 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the practicality and effectiveness of an anxiety treatment program specifically designed for Latino older adults with cancer and their caregivers. Participants must be 65 years or older, currently receiving or recently completed cancer treatment, and identify as Latino or Hispanic. The intervention focuses on managing anxiety related to cancer, with caregivers also involved in the process. The study will assess the impact of this program on anxiety levels among participants.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include Latino older adults aged 65 and older who are currently undergoing cancer treatment or have completed treatment within the last eighteen months.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as Latino or Hispanic, or those who do not have a primary informal caregiver willing to participate, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce anxiety levels in Latino older adults with cancer and improve their overall quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with anxiety interventions for cancer patients, particularly in culturally tailored approaches, suggesting potential success for this study.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Older Adults with Cancer (OAC)

* As per medical record or self-report, is currently age 65 years or older
* As per medical record or self-report, currently receiving active cancer treatment OR is within eighteen months of completing active treatment which includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.
* As per self-report, identifies as Latino and/or Hispanic Ethnicity
* Per self-report, has a primary informal caregiver (as defined by an unpaid individual who provides the patient with emotional, physical, and/or practical support) age 40 or older who is willing and able to participate in the study ; if a patient does not have a primary informal caregiver or if the caregiver does not or cannot participate, but meets all other inclusion criteria they will be allowed to enroll in the study
* Scores ≥6 on the anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
* Per self-report, fluent in English and/or Spanish\*\* \*\* Language verification: Prior to enrollment, patients will be asked the following two questions by a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) to verify language fluency necessary for participation in the study:

  1. How well do you speak English and/or Spanish? (must respond "very well" or "well" when given the choices of Very well, Well, Not well, Not at all, Don't know, or Refused)
  2. What is your preferred language for healthcare? (must respond English and/or Spanish)

Caregiver

* Per OAC report, is primary informal caregiver (as defined by an unpaid individual who provides the patient with emotional, physical, and/or practical support) for the eligible OAC patient
* As per self-report, is age 40 years or older
* Per self-report, fluent in English and/or Spanish\*\* \*\* Language verification: Prior to enrollment, patients will be asked the following two questions by a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) to verify language fluency necessary for participation in the study:

  1. How well do you speak English and/or Spanish? (must respond "very well" or "well" when given the choices of Very well, Well, Not well, Not at all, Don't know, or Refused)
  2. What is your preferred language for healthcare? (must respond English and/or Spanish)

Exclusion Criteria:

OAC

* As per medical record or self-report, currently receiving psychotherapy
* As per medical record or self-report, taking psychotropic medications for \< 8 weeks prior to MAC Session 1 and/or anticipates changing their medication during the study
* As per medical record or self-report, currently being treated for schizophrenia, substance use or dependence, and/or bi-polar disorder
* Severely cognitively impaired as demonstrated by Blessed Orientation Memory Concentration score ≥ 11
* Per research staff judgment and/or self-report, too ill or weak to complete study procedures
* Per medical record or self-report, receiving hospice care at the time of enrollment

Caregiver

* As per self-report, currently receiving psychotherapy
* As per self-report, taking psychotropic medications for \< 8 weeks prior to MAC Session 1 and/or anticipates changing their medication during the study
* As per self-report, currently being treated for schizophrenia, substance use or dependence, and/or bi-polar disorder
* Severely cognitively impaired as demonstrated by Blessed Orientation Memory Concentration score ≥ 11
* Per research staff judgment and/or self-report, too ill or weak to complete study procedures

Where this trial is running

Basking Ridge, New Jersey and 6 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cancer PatientsCare GiversAnxiety InterventionLatino caregivers24-060
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.