Cognitive behavioral therapy for patients stopping immunotherapy
Distress Associated With Stopping Immunotherapy of Cancer Patients
This study is testing if online therapy can help cancer patients feel better and manage their worries after stopping immunotherapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | immunotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT04761328 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with cancer and have a history of treatment with immunotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients with active suicidal ideation, delusions, or hallucinations may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: Other studies have shown success with cognitive-behavioral therapy in managing anxiety and depression in cancer patients, suggesting a promising approach.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- 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
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.