Training to help cancer patients cope with pain through meaning-centered techniques
Meaning-Centered Pain Coping Skills Training: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Psychosocial Intervention for Advanced Cancer Patients
This study is testing a new online program to help cancer patients manage their pain and find more meaning in their lives compared to standard care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 210 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Duke University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Durham, North Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT05385965 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of Meaning-Centered Pain Coping Skills Training (MCPC) for patients with advanced solid tumors experiencing pain interference. A total of 210 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the MCPC intervention or standard care. The intervention consists of four weekly sessions delivered via videoconference, focusing on cognitive-behavioral skills to help patients manage pain and enhance their sense of meaning and purpose. Patient-reported outcomes will be measured at baseline and follow-ups at 8 and 12 weeks to assess the impact of the intervention on pain interference and other related outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with stage IV solid tumor cancer and moderate to severe pain interference.
Not a fit: Patients with significant cognitive impairment, serious untreated mental illness, or those enrolled in hospice may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve pain management and quality of life for cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise for psychosocial interventions in cancer pain management, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Stage IV solid tumor cancer diagnosis * Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 2 or lower * At least one clinical pain severity rating \> 0 out of 10 in past month * At least moderate pain interference (8-item Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System \[PROMIS\] Pain Interference T-score \>/= 55) in the past week at telephone screening * Ability to speak and read in English * Age \>/= 18 years. Exclusion Criteria: * Significant cognitive impairment as indicated in medical chart or during telephone screening * Serious untreated mental illness * Primary brain cancer diagnosis * Previous engagement in Pain Coping Skills Training or Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy * Enrollment in hospice at screening
Where this trial is running
Durham, North Carolina
- Duke Cancer Center — Durham, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joseph G Winger, PhD — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Joseph G Winger, PhD
- Email: joseph.winger@duke.edu
- Phone: 919-416-7506
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.