Training therapists to provide evidence-based therapies for cancer patients
Training in Evidence-based Treatments in Psycho-Oncology
This study is testing whether training therapists to provide personalized therapy can help cancer patients manage their stress and improve their overall well-being during treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 115 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT05674357 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research focuses on training psychotherapists to deliver individualized evidence-based psychotherapies to cancer patients experiencing elevated distress due to their illness or treatment. The intervention includes various therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Participants will engage in therapy sessions over approximately 26 weeks, with therapists selecting treatment components based on the patient's clinical presentation. The study aims to improve health behaviors and reduce psychological symptoms that may hinder recovery.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 currently receiving oncology treatment at the MGH Cancer Center and reporting elevated distress levels.
Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled psychosis, active suicidal ideation, or recent psychiatric hospitalization may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly alleviate emotional distress and improve the quality of life for cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar evidence-based therapeutic approaches in psycho-oncology, indicating potential for positive outcomes.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Patient Inclusion Criteria: * Adults \> 18 years of age. * Currently receiving oncology treatment/care at the MGH Cancer Center, including active treatment and/or surveillance. * Reports elevated levels of distress on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Thermometer \> 3. * Reports distress or presenting problem is related to patients' illness and/or treatment (e.g., cancer treatment). * Has a clinical presentation that matches an evidence-based treatment (e.g., CBT-I for insomnia/sleep disturbance) for cancer-related distress per therapist and supervising therapist discretion. * Located in the state of Massachusetts for the duration of sessions. Caregiver Inclusion criteria: * Adults \> 18 years of age * Currently caring for someone receiving oncology treatment/care at the MGH Cancer Center, including active treatment and/or surveillance * Reports elevated levels of distress on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Thermometer \> 3 * Reports distress or presenting problem is related to caregiving * Has a clinical presentation that matches an evidence-based treatment (e.g., CBT-I for insomnia/sleep disturbance) for caregiving-related distress per therapist and supervising therapist discretion * Located in the state of Massachusetts for the duration of sessions Patient Exclusion Criteria: * Has uncontrolled psychosis, active suicidal ideation, or psychiatric hospitalization within the past year (assessed through EHR review and screening session using the QuickSCID-5), indicating the need for tailored treatment referral to specialty mental healthcare outside of psycho-oncology or to a higher level of care such as an intensive outpatient program (IOP). * Has a cognitive impairment that prohibits participation in the study (assessed through EHR review and screening session). * Currently participating in group or individual evidence-based psychotherapy treatment or other psychosocial intervention trial. * Has an alcohol or substance dependence (other than nicotine dependence) in the past 8 weeks (assessed through EHR review and screening session using the QuickSCID-5), indicating the need for tailored treatment referral to specialty mental healthcare outside of psycho-oncology or to a higher level of care such as an intensive outpatient program (IOP). Therapist Inclusion criteria: -Current appointment as a clinical psychology fellow or psychiatry resident at the Massachusetts General Hospital or equivalent designation. Therapist Exclusion criteria: -Obtained licensure as a clinical psychologist in any state.
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jamie Jacobs, Ph.D — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Jamie Jacobs, Ph.D
- Email: jjacobs@mgh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-643-1777
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.