A Dyadic Intervention for Young Adult Patients With Cancer and Their Partner Caregivers (YAD)

Mass General Brigham

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Couples; Caregiver Burden; Survivorship; Coping Skills; Cancer; Psychological Distress

Treatments: Behavioral: Young Adults Coping with Cancer Together Intervention

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06172907

23-472

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this pilot study is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a brief psychotherapy intervention to improve psychosocial coping and maintain couple relationships among young adults (aged 25-39) with cancer and their caregiving partners.

Full description

Young adults (YA) with cancer have unique challenges in coping, and their primary partners may experience burden and low self-efficacy related to caregiving. In this single-arm pilot trial, the investigators shall deliver an eight-session intervention to YAs with cancer and their self-identified partners who provide caregiving. The intervention is founded on principles from cognitive-behavioral therapy and couples-focused interventions, tailored for YA. The aim of the study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, which will inform refinements prior to a larger-scale clinical trial. This study will include 10 YAs and their partner-caregivers (N=20). Participants will complete surveys at baseline and after the intervention, and will be invited to complete optional semi-structured exit interviews.

Enrollment: 20 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 25 to 39 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Either: (1) Currently receiving active cancer treatment (n=5) or are within two years of completing active treatment (n=5) at Massachusetts General Cancer Center (MGHCC), located in Boston, Massachusetts, United States, OR (2) are the partner of an individual between the ages of 25-39 who is currently receiving treatment at MGHCC (n=5) or who has completed cancer treatment at MGHCC within the past two years (n=5)
• Either: (1) Indicates a score ≥4 on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) adapted distress thermometer study screening questions, OR (2) are the partner of a participant indicating a score ≥4 on the NCCN adapted distress thermometer study screening questions
• English-speaking

Exclusion criteria

• Uncontrolled psychosis, active suicidal ideation, or cognitive impairment

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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20 participants in 1 patient group

Young Adults Coping with Cancer Together Intervention

Other group

Description:

Young adults with cancer and their partner-caregivers will attend dyadic virtual psychotherapy sessions lasting 45-60 minutes on a weekly basis for eight weeks.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Young Adults Coping with Cancer Together Intervention