Psychosocial Intervention for Brain Cancer

Overseen By Deborah A Forst, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this study is to test a psychosocial intervention called ASCENT (ACT-based Supportive intervention for patients with CENTral nervous system tumors). This intervention was developed to help patients after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. The main question this study aims to answer is whether this intervention is feasible (i.e., possible to carry out) and acceptable (i.e., considered helpful) to patients. Participants will be asked to take part in 6 coaching sessions and complete short surveys at four different time points. Some participants will be asked to share feedback via interviews.

Research Team

Deborah Forst, MD

Principal Investigator

Massachusetts General Hospital

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 18 who were diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor within the last 6 months, are patients at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, and speak English. It's not for those unable to consent (due to severe cognitive issues), in or near hospice care, or with significant difficulty understanding language.

Inclusion Criteria

Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center Patient

English speaking

I am 18 years old or older.

Exclusion Criteria

You have significant difficulty understanding and processing spoken language.

I am able to understand and consent to participate in the study.

You are currently in or about to join a hospice program.

Treatment Details

Interventions

• ASCENT (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial Overview The study tests ASCENT, a psychosocial intervention designed to support brain tumor patients emotionally and mentally. Participants will undergo six coaching sessions and complete surveys at four times during the study. Some will also provide feedback through interviews.

Participant Groups

Group I: Pilot RCT: ASCENT Arm Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Enrolled patients will receive an intervention manual and will participate in six weekly or biweekly individual sessions with a clinician (e.g. nurse or behavioral health specialist). Participants will be asked to complete surveys at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks.

Group II: Pilot RCT: Control Arm Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will receive usual supportive care, which includes referral to cancer center supportive care services (e.g., social work) upon request from the patient, caregiver, or clinician. Participants will be asked to complete surveys at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Massachusetts General Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,066

Recruited

13,430,000+