DBT Skills Training for Patients with Metastatic Lung Cancer

LiveWell: An Adapted Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Skills Training Protocol for Patients Living With Metastatic Lung Cancer

NA · Duke University · NCT06464562

This study is testing whether teaching emotional skills through Dialectical Behavioral Therapy can help people with metastatic lung cancer feel better and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorDuke University (other)
Locations1 site (Durham, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT06464562 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on providing Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Skills Training to patients diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer, who often experience high levels of psychological distress and a poor quality of life. The intervention aims to equip these patients with practical skills to manage their emotional challenges and improve their overall well-being. By teaching techniques such as mindfulness and emotion regulation, the program seeks to help patients navigate the complexities of living with a terminal illness. The study is designed for patients who are currently undergoing treatment with non-curative intent and have reported significant distress.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old diagnosed with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who are experiencing high psychological distress.

Not a fit: Patients with untreated serious mental illnesses or cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance the quality of life and emotional resilience of patients living with metastatic lung cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While DBT has been effective in other populations, its application in metastatic lung cancer patients is relatively novel and untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. be diagnosed with metastatic (AJCC stage IV) non-small cell lung cancer
2. be undergoing lung cancer treatment with non-curative intent
3. endorse \>=3 out of 10 on the NCCN distress thermometer over the past week
4. be \> 18 years of age
5. be able to understand, speak, and read English, and 5) be able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. reported or suspected cognitive impairment
2. presence of untreated serious mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia) indicated by the medical chart or treating oncologist
3. expected survival \<6 months

Where this trial is running

Durham, North Carolina

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cancer Metastatic to Lung

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.