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Group Psychotherapy for Cancer Patients

Phase 3
Waitlist Available
Led By William Breitbart, MD
Research Sponsored by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
All patients with stage IV solid tumor cancers; or Stage III solid tumor cancers (excluding breast and prostate cancer) who are receiving ambulatory care at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Able to communicate with an English speaking therapist
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up 16 weeks
Awards & highlights

Study Summary

This trial is comparing two types of group counseling for cancer patients - Meaning-Centered and Supportive. The goal is to see which is more beneficial for patients in terms of coping with their illness.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for English-speaking adults over 21 with advanced stage IV solid tumor cancers, or certain stage III cancers, who are outpatients at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. It's not suitable for those with severe psychiatric issues, cognitive impairments (as indicated by MMSE scores below 20), or physical limitations that prevent participation in group therapy.Check my eligibility
What is being tested?
The study compares two types of group counseling for cancer patients: Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy aimed at finding purpose despite cancer and Supportive Psychotherapy providing a space to express feelings and gain support from peers. The effectiveness of these approaches in coping with the emotional challenges of cancer will be evaluated.See study design
What are the potential side effects?
While traditional side effects associated with medical treatments may not apply here, participants might experience emotional discomfort or distress during discussions about their illness and its impact on their lives within the psychotherapy sessions.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I have stage IV cancer or stage III cancer (not breast or prostate) and am treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering.
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I can communicate with an English-speaking therapist.
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I am 21 years old or older.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~16 weeks
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 16 weeks for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Outcome measures can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary outcome measures
The to be measured include measures of spiritual well-being (meaning) and psychological distress (depression, hopelessness, optimism quality of life).
Secondary outcome measures
To examine clinical and demographic variables that may correspond to differential responses to Meaning-Centered Group Psychotherapy.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: 1Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
Meaning Centered Group Psychotherapy (MCGP)
Group II: 2Active Control1 Intervention
standardized Supportive Group Psychotherapy
Treatment
First Studied
Drug Approval Stage
How many patients have taken this drug
Meaning Centered Group Psychotherapy
2007
Completed Phase 3
~260

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterLead Sponsor
1,940 Previous Clinical Trials
588,658 Total Patients Enrolled
Fordham UniversityOTHER
19 Previous Clinical Trials
3,804 Total Patients Enrolled
1 Trials studying Palliative Care
80 Patients Enrolled for Palliative Care
William Breitbart, MDPrincipal InvestigatorMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
7 Previous Clinical Trials
1,744 Total Patients Enrolled

Media Library

Meaning Centered Group Psychotherapy Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT00494910 — Phase 3
Palliative Care Research Study Groups: 1, 2
Palliative Care Clinical Trial 2023: Meaning Centered Group Psychotherapy Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT00494910 — Phase 3
Meaning Centered Group Psychotherapy 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT00494910 — Phase 3
~14 spots leftby Jun 2025
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