Virtual meaning-centered group therapy for adults with a history of cancer

Evaluation of Meaning-centered Group Psychotherapy in Integrative Medicine

Not applicable Interventional M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT07147205

This program will test whether a virtual meaning-centered group therapy helps adults with a history of cancer reduce anxiety and depression and improve quality of life and sense of meaning.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment72 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT07147205 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults with a diagnosis or history of malignant cancer who are referred to the MD Anderson Integrative Medicine Clinic join closed, 90-minute virtual meaning-centered group psychotherapy sessions delivered via Zoom. Participants complete baseline and post-participation questionnaires measuring anxiety, depression, quality of life, meaning in life, and fear of cancer recurrence, and provide satisfaction and qualitative feedback about the virtual group experience and therapy adaptations. The protocol includes descriptive analyses of participant demographics, clinical characteristics, IMC utilization, and session attendance, plus pre/post comparisons of symptom and outcome measures. Secondary analyses examine whether baseline characteristics predict number of sessions attended and whether attendance is associated with changes in outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older with a diagnosis or history of malignant cancer who read and speak English, have access to a device for Zoom, and have been referred to and evaluated by the MD Anderson Integrative Medicine Clinic are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Children, pregnant women, cognitively impaired individuals, people who cannot use Zoom or do not speak English, or those who do not attend sessions are unlikely to benefit from this virtual group program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, participants could experience greater sense of meaning, reduced anxiety and depression, and improved overall quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research on meaning-centered psychotherapy for cancer patients has demonstrated improvements in sense of meaning and psychological symptoms in comparable populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Eligibility Criteria

1. Age 18 or older.
2. Male or female.
3. Diagnosis or history of malignant cancer (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) or tumor disease.
4. Able to read, write, and speak in English.
5. Has access to iOS or Android smartphone, computer, or tablet or device capable of logging onto Zoom.
6. Referred to the Integrative Medicine Clinic, completed consult with IMC physician, referred to health psychology and completed health psychology assessment.
7. Participates in at least one MCGP group session.
8. Willing to review informed consent statement and agree to complete questionnaires.

Exclusion Criteria

1. Children will not be enrolled in this study.
2. Pregnant women will not be enrolled in this study.
3. Cognitively impaired subjects will not be enrolled in this study.

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

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 PsychotherapyIntegrative Medicine
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.