Counseling with or without pictures to help breast cancer patients during radiation therapy

A Randomized Trial of Standard Verbal Counseling With or Without a Pictorial Educational Tool to Reduce Psychological Morbidity in Women Receiving Breast Radiation Therapy

Not applicable Interventional OHSU Knight Cancer Institute · NCT04993313

This study is testing whether adding pictures to counseling helps breast cancer patients feel less anxious and depressed during their radiation therapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOHSU Knight Cancer Institute Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Portland, Oregon)
Trial IDNCT04993313 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of standard verbal counseling compared to counseling supplemented with a pictorial educational tool for patients with stage 0-IIIA breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy. The study aims to assess the impact of these interventions on reducing psychological morbidity, specifically anxiety and depression, associated with the treatment process. Patients will be randomized into two groups, one receiving only verbal counseling and the other receiving both verbal counseling and a photo guide. Their experiences and expectations regarding side effects will be measured at multiple time points throughout their treatment journey.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are breast cancer patients diagnosed with stage 0-IIIA who are scheduled to receive radiation therapy.

Not a fit: Patients receiving ultra-hypofractionated radiation treatment or those undergoing concurrent chemotherapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce psychological distress in breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that educational interventions can effectively reduce anxiety and improve patient outcomes, suggesting this approach may also be beneficial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Breast cancer patients diagnosed with stage 0-IIIA disease who are planned to receive adjuvant hypofractionated or standard fractionated radiation treatment
* Patients must have the ability to read and understand English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who are planned for ultra-hypofractionated radiation treatment
* Patients who are planned for partial breast radiation treatment
* Patients who are planned to receive concurrent radiosensitizing chemotherapy

Where this trial is running

Portland, Oregon

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 Anatomic Stage 0 Breast Cancer AJCC v8Anatomic Stage I Breast Cancer AJCC v8Anatomic Stage IA Breast Cancer AJCC v8Anatomic Stage IB Breast Cancer AJCC v8Anatomic Stage II Breast Cancer AJCC v8Anatomic Stage IIA Breast Cancer AJCC v8Anatomic Stage IIB Breast Cancer AJCC v8Anatomic Stage IIIA Breast Cancer AJCC v8
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.