Couple-based meditation program for lung cancer patients and their partners

Couple-Based Meditation for Metastatic Lung Cancer Patients and Their Partners

Not applicable Interventional M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT02596490

This study tests whether a couple-based meditation program can help patients with advanced lung cancer and their partners feel better during treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations2 sites (Houston, Texas and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT02596490 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and initial efficacy of a couple-based meditation program for patients with metastatic lung cancer and their partners. It involves 50 patients diagnosed with stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) who are currently receiving treatment. Participants will engage in meditation and cancer-related discussion sessions, with assessments of their physical, psychological, and spiritual quality of life outcomes. The study seeks to understand how this intervention can support both patients and their partners during treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC who are currently receiving treatment and have a romantic partner.

Not a fit: Patients who are not oriented to time, place, or person, or those regularly participating in psychotherapy or formal cancer support groups may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could enhance the quality of life for lung cancer patients and their partners by improving their emotional and psychological well-being.

How similar studies have performed: While couple-based interventions in cancer care are gaining interest, this specific approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. ALL PHASES, PATIENTS ONLY: Diagnosed with stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
2. ALL PHASES, PATIENTS ONLY: Currently receiving treatment (e.g. radiotherapy, chemotherapy) at MD Anderson Cancer Center
3. ALL PHASES, PATIENTS ONLY: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of less than or equal to 2
4. ALL PHASES, PATIENTS ONLY: Have a romantic partner with whom they have resided for a minimum of 6 months
5. ALL PHASES, PATIENTS AND PARTNERS: Must be at least 18 years old
6. ALL PHASES, PATIENTS AND PARTNERS: Able to read and speak English
7. ALL PHASES, PATIENTS AND PARTNERS: Able to provide consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. ALL PHASES, PATIENTS AND PARTNERS: Not oriented to time, place, or person as deemed by the clinical team
2. ALL PHASES, PATIENTS AND PARTNERS: Regular (self-defined) participation in psychotherapy or a formal cancer support group
3. ALL PHASES, PATIENTS AND PARTNERS: Prior enrollment in a couple-based mind-body intervention research study (protocols 2011-1179, 2013-0496, 2014-0036) conducted by the principal investigator including phase 1 or phase 2 of the current study.

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas and 1 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 Lung CancerNon-Small Cell Lung CancerNSCLCCouples-based meditation programCouples-based cancer-related discussion programQuestionnairesSurveysMetastatic lung cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.