Multi-site Trial of a Brief Behavioral Intervention for Dyspnea in Patients With Advanced Lung Cancer

Launched by MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · Jan 18, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new way to help patients with advanced lung cancer who are experiencing breathlessness, a common and distressing symptom known as dyspnea. The study will test a program called BREEZE+, which includes three brief sessions with a nurse and access to a digital app. This app will teach patients skills to manage their breathing difficulties more effectively. The goal is to find out if this program can improve the quality of life for patients suffering from dyspnea.

To be eligible for the trial, participants must be at least 18 years old, have advanced lung cancer or mesothelioma, and report experiencing moderate to severe breathlessness. They should also be able to manage daily activities independently and read and respond to questions in either English or Spanish. Participants will receive support through the BREEZE+ program, and the findings from this trial may lead to better care options for patients in the future. Please note that the trial is not yet recruiting participants.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age ≥18 years
• • Diagnosis of advanced lung cancer (i.e., non-small cell lung cancer or small cell lung cancer) or mesothelioma, not being treated with curative intent
• • Self-report at least moderate dyspnea per a rating ≥4 on the validated 0-10 breathlessness item of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale-Revised
• • Functioning independently per an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status ≤2
• • Ability to read and respond to questions in English or Spanish
• • Receiving primary cancer care at one of the participating institutions
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Significant uncontrolled psychiatric disorder or other co-morbid disease (e.g., dementia, cognitive impairment), which the treating oncology clinician reports would prohibit the patient's ability to participate in study procedures.