Improving quality of life for cancer patients and their caregivers through positive activities
Feasibility of a Positive Activity Intervention in Cancer Patients From Collectivist Cultures
This study is testing whether doing kind acts or writing gratitude letters can help improve the well-being of cancer patients and their caregivers from certain cultures.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 104 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT04810052 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the feasibility of two positive activities aimed at enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients from collectivist cultures and their caregivers. Participants are randomized into three groups: one group performs acts of kindness for their caregivers, another writes letters of gratitude, and a control group tracks daily activities. The study focuses on patients aged 35-70 who are within 1-5 years of their cancer diagnosis and actively undergoing treatment. The primary goal is to assess the psychological and interpersonal well-being of participants following these interventions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include cancer patients aged 35-70 from collectivist cultures who are currently undergoing systemic therapy and can identify a caregiver living in the same household.
Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as part of the specified collectivist cultures or who are not currently undergoing treatment may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the psychological and emotional well-being of cancer patients and their caregivers from collectivist cultures.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar positive activity interventions, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * PATIENTS: Between 35 -70 years of age * PATIENTS: Within 1-5 years of diagnosis and actively undergoing systemic therapy, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, endocrine and radiation therapies * PATIENTS: Self-identify as ethnically one of the 4 ethnic groups of focus: Asian American, African American, Latino, and European American. For collectivist cultures, will aim to recruit patients of who are first- (i.e., immigrated to United States \[US\]) or second-generation (i.e., children of US residents who immigrated to US) immigrants * PATIENTS: Diagnosed with any type of cancer * PATIENTS: Able to identify a caregiver (e.g., family member) who lives in the same household, and who consents to participate in this study * PATIENTS: Able to read, write, and speak in English * PATIENTS: Access to internet, computer or phone, and web browser * CAREGIVERS: Patient considers them as their caregiver * CAREGIVERS: Lives in the same household as patient * CAREGIVERS: Able to read, write, and speak in English * CAREGIVERS: Access to internet, computer or phone, and web browser * CAREGIVERS: Identifies as the same race/ethnicity group as the patient (e.g., European American wife and European American husband, or Asian American wife and Asian American husband would be pairs that are considered eligible) Exclusion Criteria: * PATIENTS: Life expectancy less than 6 months in the opinion of the primary physician * PATIENTS: Inability to stand and walk on their own or with other physical limitations that preclude them from participating. (3+ on Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group \[ECOG\] performance status) * PATIENTS: Major depression (e.g., as determined by a score of 10 or higher on the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale \[CES-D\] at baseline, out of 30) or diagnosed prior to study (from patient records and/or self-disclosure by patient) * CAREGIVERS: Unwilling or unable to participate in the study for any reason * CAREGIVERS: Under the age of 18
Where this trial is running
Houston, Texas
- M D Anderson Cancer Center — Houston, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Qian Lu, MD — M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Qian Lu, MD
- Email: QLu@mdanderson.or
- Phone: 713-745-5715
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.