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

NCT ID: NCT06172907

Last Updated: 2026-01-12

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

20 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2024-04-19

Study Completion Date

2026-12-31

Brief Summary

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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.

Detailed Description

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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.

Conditions

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Cancer Survivorship Caregiver Burden Psychological Distress Coping Skills Couples

Study Design

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Allocation Method

NA

Intervention Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Single-Arm Pilot Study
Primary Study Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Blinding Strategy

NONE

Study Groups

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Young Adults Coping with Cancer Together Intervention

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.

Group Type OTHER

Young Adults Coping with Cancer Together Intervention

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

This intervention is based on cognitive-behavioral therapy and couples' therapy. It aims to improve cancer and caregiving-related self-efficacy and coping, as well as promote relationship maintenance in context of cancer. The intervention will be delivered by a trained mental health practitioner and include didactics, experiential exercises, and home practice.

Interventions

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Young Adults Coping with Cancer Together Intervention

This intervention is based on cognitive-behavioral therapy and couples' therapy. It aims to improve cancer and caregiving-related self-efficacy and coping, as well as promote relationship maintenance in context of cancer. The intervention will be delivered by a trained mental health practitioner and include didactics, experiential exercises, and home practice.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Other Intervention Names

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YAD Intervention

Eligibility Criteria

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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
Minimum Eligible Age

25 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

39 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

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Massachusetts General Hospital

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Jamie Jacobs

Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School Department of Psychiatry

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

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Jamie M Jacobs, Ph.D.

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Massachusetts General Hospital

Giselle K Perez, Ph.D.

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Massachusetts General Hospital

Locations

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Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Site Status RECRUITING

Emerson Hospital/MGH Cancer Center

Concord, Massachusetts, United States

Site Status RECRUITING

Mass General at North Shore Cancer Center

Danvers, Massachusetts, United States

Site Status RECRUITING

Mass General at Newton Wellesley Hospital

Newton, Massachusetts, United States

Site Status RECRUITING

Countries

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United States

Central Contacts

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Jamie M Jacobs, Ph.D.

Role: CONTACT

617-643-1777

Zeba N Ahmad, Ph.D.

Role: CONTACT

617-724-1586

Facility Contacts

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Jamie M Jacobs, PhD

Role: primary

Jamie M Jacobs, PhD

Role: primary

Jamie M Jacobs, PhD

Role: primary

Jamie M Jacobs, PhD

Role: primary

Other Identifiers

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23-472

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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