Mindfulness program for couples dealing with metastatic colorectal cancer

Developing a Couple-Based Mindfulness Intervention for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Qualitative Phase

This study is testing a mindfulness program for couples where patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and their partners can learn to support each other and cope better with their challenges together.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 48 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 85 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Colorado, Denver (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Aurora, Colorado)
• Trial ID: NCT05840263 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop a couple-based mindfulness intervention called 'MIND-Together' to help reduce distress in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and their partners. The intervention consists of four sessions delivered via video-conference by a trained therapist, focusing on the unique psychosocial needs of couples facing mCRC. Participants include both patients diagnosed with mCRC and their intimate partners, who will engage in mindfulness practices together to enhance emotional support and coping strategies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer and their committed partners who have been together for more than six months.

Not a fit: Patients who are not in a committed relationship or those with a poor ECOG performance status may not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce emotional distress for both patients and their partners, improving their overall quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While couple-based interventions are gaining traction, this specific mindfulness approach for mCRC couples is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Patient Inclusion Criteria:

* Provision to sign and date the consent form.
* Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and be available for the duration of the study.
* Be aged \> 18 years.
* Fluent in English language
* Be a person (i.e., patient) diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), a partner (e.g., spouse) of someone diagnosed with mCRC, or a clinician who treats patients diagnosed with mCRC.

Additional patient participant inclusion criteria:

* Has a current diagnosis of metastatic (Stage IV, recurrent) colorectal cancer
* Has an ECOG status \<2 or otherwise deemed appropriate for study participation by a clinician
* Is in a committed relationship with a romantic partner for \>6 months
* Has access to computer/internet through with video-conferencing (phone, laptop, tablet, desktop computer)
* Indicates a score \>0 on the Distress Thermometer

Additional partner participant inclusion criteria:

* Has been in a committed relationship \>6 months with a patient who meets the above eligibility criteria
* Has access to computer/internet through with video-conferencing (phone, laptop, tablet, desktop computer)
* Indicates a score \>0 on the Distress Thermometer

Additional clinician participant inclusion criteria:

∙Is a physician or advanced practice clinician (e.g., oncologist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, psychologist, mental health provider, etc.)

Exclusion Criteria:

∙Has a serious mental illness (e.g., psychotic disorder), cognitive impairment (e.g., dementia), or medical condition (e.g., significant impaired sight/hearing) that would compromise participation

Where this trial is running

Aurora, Colorado

• University of Colorado Cancer Center — Aurora, Colorado, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Lauren Zimmaro — University of Colorado, Denver
• Study coordinator: Kaylee Ortega

Conditions: Metastatic Colorectal Cancer