Optimizing virtual cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in cancer survivors

Innovating CBT-I for Cancer Survivors: An Optimization Trial

Not applicable Interventional Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT06181643

This study is testing different ways of providing online therapy for insomnia to see which method works best for cancer survivors.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT06181643 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to optimize the delivery of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) specifically for cancer survivors through a factorial, randomized controlled trial. The trial will evaluate different combinations of individual versus group therapy formats and the inclusion of booster sessions to determine the most effective approach for reducing insomnia severity. Participants will be monitored for changes in insomnia and related outcomes over an 8 to 16-week period using various metrics, including sleep diaries and wearable devices. The findings are expected to enhance cancer survivorship care by providing a scalable, virtually delivered intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have a history of nonmetastatic cancer and are experiencing chronic insomnia.

Not a fit: Patients with untreated sleep disorders other than insomnia, serious mental health issues, or those unable to communicate in English may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve sleep quality and overall well-being for cancer survivors suffering from chronic insomnia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in various populations, suggesting potential success for this novel application in cancer survivors.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* History of nonmetastatic, localized, or regional solid or blood malignancy(ies)
* Completion of primary cancer treatment (radiation, surgery, and/or chemotherapy). Use of hormonal, maintenance, oral, and immunotherapies is permitted.
* Chronic insomnia (DSM-5 criteria)
* 18 years of age or older

Exclusion Criteria:

* Self-reported inability to speak and write in English
* Undertreated noninsomnia sleep disorder (e.g., sleep apnea)
* Undertreated epilepsy, undertreated serious mental illness, undertreated suicidality, and/or psychiatric hospitalization in the past year
* Unwilling or unable to discontinue night shift work

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

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 Cancer SurvivorshipInsomnia
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.