Mental health app for cancer survivors

Mental Health App for Cancer Survivors Study

Not applicable Interventional University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT06472726

This study is testing a mental health app designed to help people who have survived head and neck cancer manage their depression and improve their wellbeing.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages22 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other
Locations1 site (Madison, Wisconsin)
Trial IDNCT06472726 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to adapt the IONA Mind app to provide mental health support specifically for patients and survivors of head and neck cancer who are experiencing depression. Participants will use the app for six weeks, engaging with personalized wellbeing plans and support based on their responses to initial assessments. The study will involve 30 participants who will be recruited from the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center and the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin. The research team will work with an advisory board of head and neck cancer survivors to ensure the app meets their unique needs.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 22 and older with a confirmed history of head and neck cancer and moderate to severe depression.

Not a fit: Patients with severe depression or those currently using prescription medication for depression may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this app could significantly improve the mental health and quality of life for head and neck cancer survivors dealing with depression.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using digital mental health interventions for cancer patients, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* History of HNC confirmed by histopathologic diagnosis. The signed report must be available on electronic health record (EHR) for participants who received treatment or follow-up at University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center (UWCCC). Alternatively, participants must have a printed signed report if received treatment out of UWCCC
* Age greater than or equal to 22 years at the time of consent
* Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score ≥ 5 and ≤ 19 (moderate and severely moderate depression)
* Willing to comply with all study procedures and be available for the duration of the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to read and speak English.
* Utilization of prescription medicine for depression.
* Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score of greater than or equal to 20 (severe depression)
* Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score greater than or equal to 1 on the suicidal question (question 9)
* Pregnant people

Where this trial is running

Madison, Wisconsin

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 Head and Neck CancerHead and Neck CancersDepression
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.