A Novel Intervention for Patients With Cancer

Launched by DANA-FARBER CANCER INSTITUTE · Dec 1, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new way to help cancer patients manage psychological symptoms, such as difficult thoughts and feelings, that they may experience during their treatment. The study uses a method called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which involves working with a licensed psychologist over six sessions. It is designed to support patients who are at risk of misusing opioids, which are often prescribed for cancer pain. The goal is to see how well this new approach works and if patients find it helpful.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be at least 18 years old, have a cancer diagnosis, and be expected to live for at least six more months. They also need to show some risk for opioid misuse based on a specific screening tool. Participants will fill out questionnaires and have a follow-up interview after the study. This trial is currently recruiting patients of all genders and aims to ensure that those who join can actively engage in the therapy and assessments.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • at least 18 years old
• • have an estimated survival time of at least 6 months (as estimated by palliative care provider)
• • score at least 4 on the Opioid Risk Tool (ORT)
• • have been diagnosed with any cancer, including hematologic malignancies
• • performance status criterion of 0, 1, or 2 \[ with 0 indicating that the patient is asymptomatic, 1 that the patient is symptomatic but fully ambulatory, and 2 that the patient is symptomatic and in bed \<50% of the day\]
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with a score at least 3 to ensure that all enrolled patients are able to participate in the intervention, complete assessments, ensure that no patients who are too sick to participate are enrolled; this will enhance the rigor of the study)
• • currently be on opioid therapy
• • not meet criteria for current substance use disorder
• • assessed by the Diagnostic \& Statistical Manual of mental disorders; DSM-5 or be receiving substance use disorder treatment; and speak and comprehend English sufficiently to be able to participate in psychotherapy.