ASCENT: an ACT-based support program for adults with malignant brain tumors
An ACT-Based Supportive Intervention for Patients With Central Nervous System Tumors
This project will test whether a six-session ACT-based coaching program (ASCENT) helps adults newly diagnosed with malignant brain tumors manage distress and cope better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06099743 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
ASCENT is a population-specific, ACT-based psychosocial intervention designed for people newly diagnosed with malignant brain tumors. The team is first refining the program using feedback from 15 stakeholders and an open pilot of 10 participants. After refinement, the investigators will run a pilot randomized trial (about 100 participants) comparing the ASCENT intervention to usual supportive care. Participants will complete six coaching sessions, short surveys at four time points, and some will be asked to provide feedback in interviews.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults (≥18) who are patients at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center within six months of a malignant primary CNS tumor diagnosis and able to provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment, moderate to severe receptive aphasia, current or imminent hospice enrollment, or those not receiving care at MGH or diagnosed more than six months prior may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, ASCENT could reduce psychological distress and improve coping and day-to-day functioning after a malignant brain tumor diagnosis.
How similar studies have performed: ACT-based and other psychosocial interventions have shown promise in cancer populations, but a population-specific intervention for malignant brain tumor patients is a novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 * Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center Patient * Within 6 months of diagnosis of malignant primary Central Nervous System (CNS) tumor * English speaking Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to provide informed consent as assessed by the study team (e.g., due to severe cognitive impairment/dementia) * Moderate to severe receptive aphasia (Quick Aphasia Battery sentence comprehension subscale \< 8) * Current or imminent hospice enrollment
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Deborah A Forst, MD — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Deborah A Forst, MD
- Email: dforst@mgb.org
- Phone: 617-724-4000
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.