Therapy for Young Adults with Cancer and Their Partners

(YAD Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+3 other locations

Overseen by Giselle K Perez, Ph.D.

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

Disqualifiers: Uncontrolled psychosis, active suicidal ideation, cognitive impairment

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

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.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Young Adults Coping with Cancer Together Intervention?

The Couplelinks study shows that online programs can help young couples facing cancer improve how they cope together, suggesting that similar interventions may be effective for young adults with cancer and their partners. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How is the Young Adults Coping with Cancer Together Intervention treatment different from other treatments for young adults with cancer?

This treatment is unique because it focuses on helping young adults with cancer and their partners cope together, addressing both emotional and relational challenges during a critical developmental stage. Unlike other treatments, it emphasizes the role of partners and the couple's relationship in managing the impact of cancer, which is particularly important for younger couples who may face more stress and less collaborative coping. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Research Team

Jamie M Jacobs, PhD

Principal Investigator

Massachusetts General Hospital

Giselle K Perez, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Massachusetts General Hospital

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for young adult cancer patients aged 25-39 and their partners, who are either currently undergoing treatment or have completed it within the past two years at Massachusetts General Cancer Center. Participants must show significant distress on a screening questionnaire and be English-speaking.

Inclusion Criteria

I am currently in cancer treatment or finished it within the last two years at MGHCC.

Indicates a score ≥4 on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) adapted distress thermometer study screening questions

Partner of a participant indicating a score ≥4 on the NCCN adapted distress thermometer study screening questions

Exclusion Criteria

Uncontrolled psychosis

I am currently having thoughts about harming myself.

I have difficulty with memory or thinking clearly.

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants attend dyadic virtual psychotherapy sessions lasting 45-60 minutes on a weekly basis for eight weeks

8 weeks

8 virtual sessions

Follow-up

Participants complete surveys and optional semi-structured exit interviews to assess the intervention's feasibility and acceptability

2 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Young Adults Coping with Cancer Together Intervention (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial Overview The study tests a brief psychotherapy intervention aimed at improving coping mechanisms and preserving couple relationships among young adults with cancer and their caregiving partners.

Participant Groups

Group I: Young Adults Coping with Cancer Together Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 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.

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations Nearby Select from list below to view details:

Emerson Hospital/MGH Cancer Center Concord, MA

Mass General at Newton Wellesley Hospital Newton, MA

Mass General at North Shore Cancer Center Danvers, MA

Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center Boston, MA

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Massachusetts General Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3066

Patients Recruited

13,430,000+

Findings from Research

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Couplelinks online intervention for young couples facing breast cancer: A randomised controlled trial. Fergus, K., Ahmad, S., Gardner, S., et al.[2022]

This study aims to understand the experiences and needs of partners supporting adolescents and young adults with cancer, recognizing the unique challenges they face during a critical developmental stage.

Through qualitative interviews and diary entries, the research will identify key themes that can inform future guidance and support for partners, enhancing their ability to cope and maintain their relationships during this difficult time.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The experience and role of partners in helping to meet the support needs of adolescents and young adults with cancer. Davies, J.[2019]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Attachment-oriented psychological intervention for couples facing breast cancer: protocol of a randomised controlled trial. Nicolaisen, A., Hansen, DG., Hagedoorn, M., et al.[2018]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Family dynamics in young adult cancer caregiving: "It should be teamwork". Reblin, M., Stanley, NB., Galligan, A., et al.[2020]

After cancer therapy, a significant percentage of cancer patients (28.3%) and their partners (46.2%) experienced moderate to high levels of anxiety, indicating that cancer affects the emotional well-being of both parties.

While partners showed a decrease in anxiety and depression over the year following therapy, patients' levels of anxiety and depression remained unchanged, highlighting the need for ongoing social support for both patients and their partners.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Psychological distress of cancer patients with children under 18 years and their partners-a longitudinal study of family relationships using dyadic data analysis. Götze, H., Friedrich, M., Brähler, E., et al.[2018]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dyadic Coping Across the Lifespan: A Comparison Between Younger and Middle-Aged Couples With Breast Cancer. Acquati, C., Kayser, K.[2023]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Emotional and sexual health in cancer: partner and relationship issues. Wittmann, D.[2016]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The experience of young adult cancer patients described through online narratives. Kim, B., Gillham, DM.[2013]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Couplelinks online intervention for young couples facing breast cancer: A randomised controlled trial. [2022]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The experience and role of partners in helping to meet the support needs of adolescents and young adults with cancer. [2019]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Attachment-oriented psychological intervention for couples facing breast cancer: protocol of a randomised controlled trial. [2018]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Family dynamics in young adult cancer caregiving: "It should be teamwork". [2020]

5. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Psychological distress of cancer patients with children under 18 years and their partners-a longitudinal study of family relationships using dyadic data analysis. [2018]

6. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dyadic Coping Across the Lifespan: A Comparison Between Younger and Middle-Aged Couples With Breast Cancer. [2023]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Emotional and sexual health in cancer: partner and relationship issues. [2016]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The experience of young adult cancer patients described through online narratives. [2013]