Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 21 and up

Cognitive behavioral therapy for patients stopping immunotherapy

Official title: Distress Associated With Stopping Immunotherapy of Cancer Patients

Run by University of Pittsburgh · NCT04761328 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if online therapy can help cancer patients feel better and manage their worries after stopping immunotherapy.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages21 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsimmunotherapy
Locations1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 2, 2021
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2027
Study endsDecember 31, 2028
Registry record updatedDecember 5, 2025
Trial IDNCT04761328 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with cancer and have a history of treatment with immunotherapy.

Probably not a fit

Patients with active suicidal ideation, delusions, or hallucinations may not benefit from this study.

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

What this trial studies

This study focuses on helping cancer patients who are experiencing distress related to stopping immunotherapy. It utilizes cognitive-behavioral therapy delivered via telemedicine to address fears of recurrence, depression, and anxiety, ultimately aiming to improve the patients' quality of life. The intervention is designed to provide patients with evidence-based psychological and behavioral strategies tailored to their preferences, while also minimizing barriers to treatment such as cost and transportation. Participants will learn skills to manage their distress as they transition off immunotherapy.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance the quality of life for cancer patients transitioning off immunotherapy by reducing anxiety and fear of recurrence.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown success with cognitive-behavioral therapy in managing anxiety and depression in cancer patients, suggesting a promising approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 21 years and older
* Fluent in English
* Diagnosis of cancer and history of treatment with immunotherapy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active suicidal ideation, delusions or hallucinations

Where it's running

  • UPMC Hillman Cancer Centers
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Jason Luke — Hillman Cancer Center
  • Study coordinator: Jennifer L Steel, Ph.D.
  • Email: steejl@upmc.edu
  • Phone: 412-692-2041

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.