Culturally relevant support program for Black patients with advanced cancer

Developing a Culturally Relevant Supportive Care Program for Black Patients Dealing With Advanced Cancer

This study is testing a new support program that combines meditation and cultural understanding to see if it helps Black patients with advanced cancer feel better and manage their illness.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Houston, Texas)
• Trial ID: NCT05763797 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to implement a culturally adapted mind-body intervention called Meditation-Based Support-Adapted (MBS-A) for Black patients diagnosed with stage III-IV solid tumors. The approach includes formative research through surveys and interviews with patients and caregivers to tailor the intervention to their specific needs. Following this, a pilot randomized controlled trial will assess the feasibility of the MBS-A intervention compared to a psychoeducation control group. The ultimate goal is to improve cancer control and address disparities in this underserved population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Black/African American adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of stage III-IV solid tumors who are currently receiving active treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as Black/African American or those with earlier-stage cancers may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could enhance the quality of life and emotional well-being of Black patients facing advanced cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While culturally adapted interventions have shown promise in other populations, this specific approach targeting Black patients with advanced cancer is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

For Aim 1, in order to be eligible to participate in this study, a patient must meet all of the following criteria:

* Self-identifies as Black/African American
* Is ≥18 years old
* Was diagnosed with a stage III-IV solid tumor
* Is able to provide informed consent

For Aims 2 and 3, in order to be eligible to participate in this study, a patient must meet all of the following criteria:

* Self-identifies as Black/African American
* Is ≥18 years old
* Was diagnosed with a stage III-IV solid tumor
* Is on active treatment (any line)
* Has an ECOG performance status of ≤2
* Has access to the internet
* Is able to provide informed consent

For Aims 2 and 3, if a family-based intervention is selected as the program format, a patient must meet the additional following criterion:

• Has a family caregiver (e.g., spouse, adult child) with whom they currently reside

Also, if a family-based intervention is selected as the program format, a caregiver must meet all of the following criteria:

* Is ≥18 years old
* Has access to the internet
* Is able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

For Aim 1, there are no exclusion criteria.

For Aims 2 and 3, a patient who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:

* Is pregnant
* Has cognitive deficits that would impede the completion of self-report instruments as deemed by the clinical team
* Participated in in the Aim 1 of this study

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

• M D Anderson Cancer Center — Houston, Texas, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Dalnim Cho, PhD — M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
• Study coordinator: Dalnim Cho, PhD

Conditions: Cancer