Improving anxiety in young cancer survivors using attention bias modification
Anxiety and Negative Attentional Bias in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors
This study is testing whether a new smartphone program that helps young cancer survivors focus on positive things can reduce their anxiety.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 15 Years to 29 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Seattle, Washington) |
| Trial ID | NCT06682039 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of attention bias modification (ABM) in reducing anxiety among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. Participants will be randomized into two groups: one engaging in ABM through smartphone applications and the other participating in inert attention tasks. The ABM approach aims to retrain attention away from negative stimuli and towards positive ones, supplemented by gratitude-finding activities. The study will follow participants for four weeks after the intervention to assess changes in anxiety levels.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents and young adults aged 15-29 who have completed active cancer treatment and are currently off treatment.
Not a fit: Patients currently undergoing active cancer treatment or those unable to participate cognitively or physically may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce anxiety and improve the quality of life for young cancer survivors.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using attention bias modification for anxiety, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 15-29 years * Diagnosis of cancer malignancy * Received active/curative cancer treatment at Seattle Children's Hospital (SCH), or other study referring site (e.g. St. Jude) * Currently off active/curative cancer treatment * Patient able to understand/read/write English language * Cognitively able to participate in ABM intervention and complete surveys * Patient has access to smartphone able to send and receive text messages * Patient has access to computer or smartphone for Inquisit program Exclusion Criteria: * Patients on active/curative cancer treatment * Cognitively or physically unable to participate in ABM intervention and surveys * Patients who cannot understand/read/write English will be excluded from the research because the ABM intervention is currently only available in English * Furthermore, patients who do not have access to technology (smartphone/computer) will be excluded from the study as this technology is absolutely required to engage in the study intervention
Where this trial is running
Seattle, Washington
- Fred Hutch/University of Washington/Seattle Children's Cancer Consortium — Seattle, Washington, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nancy Lau, PhD — Fred Hutch/University of Washington/Seattle Children's Cancer Consortium
- Study coordinator: Nancy Lau, PhD
- Email: Nancy.lau@seattlechildrens.org
- Phone: 206-884-8238
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.