Mobile app for treating depression in cancer survivors

Evaluation of a Proactive Identification and Digital Mental Health Intervention Approach to Address Unmet Psychosocial Needs of Individuals Living With Likely Incurable Cancer

NA · Medical University of South Carolina · NCT06582784

This study tests if a mobile app called 'Moodivate' can help cancer survivors who are feeling depressed feel better over 12 weeks.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment279 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMedical University of South Carolina (other)
Locations1 site (Charleston, South Carolina)
Trial IDNCT06582784 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research evaluates the effectiveness of a mobile application called 'Moodivate' designed to assist cancer survivors experiencing depression. Participants will be randomly assigned to either use the app or not, with approximately two-thirds receiving the app. Throughout the 12-week study, all participants will complete electronic questionnaires to assess their depressive symptoms and experiences with the app. The study aims to address the unique mental health needs of individuals living with likely incurable cancer, who often face barriers to accessing traditional mental health treatments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 years old with likely incurable cancer and elevated depressive symptoms who own a smartphone and are willing to use a mobile app.

Not a fit: Patients with current suicidal ideation or severe cognitive impairment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a scalable and accessible treatment option for depression among cancer survivors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that evidence-based psychosocial treatments improve depression outcomes for cancer survivors, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \> 18 years
* ILLIC (as determined during manual chart review)
* Elevated depressive symptoms, defined as a score of ≥ 8 on the PHQ-9
* Current owner of an iOS- or Android-compatible smartphone
* Willingness to utilize a mobile app for the treatment of depressed mood (response of "yes" on yes/no item)
* Have a valid e-mail address that is checked regularly or have regular access to text messages (to access follow-up assessments)
* English language fluency

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current suicidal ideation at study screening, defined as a response greater than or equal to 1 on item nine of the PHQ-9
* Severe cognitive impairment that precludes completion of informed consent. For the purposes of assessing eligibility, this criterion is operationalized as:
* Prior diagnosis of dementia, or Major Neurocognitive Disorder indicated either via self-report or in the EHR; or
* Self-report of cognitive difficulties that impair functional independence

Where this trial is running

Charleston, South 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: Depression, Depressive Symptoms, Cancer

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.