Positive activities for Asian American cancer patients and their caregivers

Positive Activities for Asian American Cancer Patients and Caregivers

This study is testing a new program that encourages positive activities for Asian American cancer patients and their caregivers to see if it helps improve their mental well-being.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 186 (estimated)
• Ages: 21 Years to 80 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Fox Chase Cancer Center (Academic / other)
• Drugs / interventions: chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation
• Locations: 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
• Trial ID: NCT06782581 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to reduce the burden on caregivers of Asian American cancer patients by testing a new intervention that promotes positive activities designed to enhance patients' sense of autonomy, competence, and connectedness. The intervention includes two culturally tailored activities: household contribution and outside contribution, which have not been previously studied. The research will be conducted as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of these activities in improving psychological well-being among participants. The study is grounded in self-determination theory and considers cultural challenges faced by Asian Americans.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Asian American adults aged 21-80 who are within one year of a cancer diagnosis or have stage 4 cancer and are currently undergoing treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with a life expectancy of less than six months or significant physical limitations that prevent participation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the psychological well-being of Asian American cancer patients and their caregivers.

How similar studies have performed: While this specific approach is novel, similar interventions focusing on positive activities have shown promise in enhancing well-being in other populations.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria for Patients:

1. self-identifies as Asian American or Asian
2. males or females ages 21-80 years
3. within 2 years of any cancer diagnosis or stage 4 cancer diagnosis
4. actively undergoing surgery or systemic therapy (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy) or within the past 6 months,
5. able to identify a caregiver (e.g., spouse) who lives in the same household or see at least 3 times per week
6. able to read, write, and speak English (i.e., English proficient; EP) or Mandarin/simplified Chinese.

Exclusion Criteria for patients:

1. life expectancy less than 6 months in the opinion of the primary physician
2. inability to stand or walk on their own or other physical limitations that preclude them from participating (3+ on ECOG performance status),
3. major thought disorder (e.g., schizophrenia or bipolar \[patient records or self-disclosure\]).

Inclusion Criteria for Caregivers:

1. identifies as Asian American or Asian,
2. patient considers them to be caregiver
3. English proficient or Mandarin Chinese proficient
4. access to computer/phone, internet, and web browser.

Exclusion Criteria for Caregivers:

1. unwilling or unable to participate in the study for any reason,
2. under the age of 18.

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Fox Chase Cancer Center - Philadelphia — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Lilian J. Shin-Cho, PhD

Conditions Neoplasm; Asian American; Cancer; Patient; Positive Activities; Well-being; Caregiver