Family Therapy for Cancer Palliative Care and Bereavement

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+2 other locations

Overseen ByTalia Zaider, PhD

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The purpose of this study is to learn how well family therapy works if given while a family member is being treated for a serious illness and whether it helps their family to continue meeting for a time after their death. The therapy aims to assist the family communication and support during both palliative care and bereavement. The investigators also want to learn how many family therapy sessions spread out over time are best for helping patients and their families. Patients are randomly assigned to one of three groups: patients who receive standard palliative care, patients and their families who take part in 6 sessions, and patients and their families who take part in 10 sessions.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for families with a member facing advanced cancer. Eligible participants include those with satisfactory cognitive function to consent and participate in therapy, at least two family members willing to join, and certain scores on a family relationship index. Families must speak English and be geographically able to attend sessions. Children under 12 or individuals with significant psychiatric issues are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

I have stage 4 cancer and may be receiving care to ease symptoms.

Individuals with a poor prognosis Patient and Family Member

My family has at least 2 members, including me, ready to participate.

+3 more

Exclusion Criteria

Geographical inaccessibility for patient and family member to attend family sessions

Significant psychiatric disturbance sufficient, in the investigator's judgment, to preclude participation in a psychotherapeutic intervention

My child is under 12 years old.

+1 more

Participant Groups

The study tests the effectiveness of Family Focused Grief Therapy during palliative care and after death. It compares standard care against family therapy in either 6 or 10 sessions, randomly assigning patients into these groups to see which helps more with communication and support.

3Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: 2Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

10 Sessions of Family Focused Group Therapy

Group II: 1Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

6 sessions of Family Focused Group Therapy

Group III: 3Active Control1 Intervention

Standard Care- Social work consultations are routinely provided to the cancer patients, but relatives are only seen during admissions or upon request