Coping and Communication Skills Training for Gynecologic Cancers

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen by Sharon L Manne, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests the Journey Ahead online program, which helps people with gynecologic cancers improve their coping and communication skills. The program includes educational content and activities to reduce stress and enhance emotional management. Researchers will gather feedback from participants and assess the program's effectiveness.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Journey Ahead for gynecologic cancers?

Research shows that effective communication and coping skills can improve emotional well-being and reduce distress in women with gynecologic cancers. These skills help patients process emotions better, build trust with healthcare providers, and make informed decisions about their care. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How is the treatment Journey Ahead different from other treatments for gynecologic cancers?

Journey Ahead is unique because it focuses on coping and communication skills training, helping women with gynecologic cancers process their emotions and improve their communication, which is different from standard medical treatments that primarily address physical symptoms. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Research Team

Sharon L Manne, PhD

Principal Investigator

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for women over 18 who've been diagnosed with various gynecological cancers, including uterine, ovarian, and cervical cancer. Participants should be within 5 years post-cancer surgery or treatment like chemo or radiation and must have internet access to view online sessions.

Inclusion Criteria

I was diagnosed with Stage 2 or higher cervical cancer or had a recurrence in the last 5 years.

I can access the internet and participate in online sessions and telehealth chats.

I am mostly active and can carry out my daily activities.

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants engage in the Journey Ahead intervention focusing on coping and communication skill development during the course of 8 sessions and 6 phone calls.

8 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in distress, coping, and other psychological measures post-intervention.

6 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Journey Ahead (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial Overview The 'Journey Ahead' intervention is being tested to see if it helps improve coping and communication skills in women with gynecologic cancers. It involves informational sessions viewed online followed by discussions via phone or video chat.

Participant Groups

Group I: Journey Ahead Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Experimental: Journey Ahead intervention focusing on coping and communication skill development during the course of 8 sessions and 6 phone calls.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Lead Sponsor

Trials

471

Recruited

81,700+

Dr. Jonathan Holloway

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Chief Executive Officer since 2020

PhD in History from Yale University

Dr. Brian Strom

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Chief Medical Officer since 2014

MD from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Findings from Research

The coping and communication-enhancing intervention (CCI) significantly reduced depressive symptoms and cancer-specific distress in 352 women with gynecological cancer over the first six months compared to supportive counseling (SC) and usual care (UC).

Unlike SC, which showed no significant benefits, CCI improved emotional well-being and demonstrated that structured psychological interventions are essential for effectively addressing distress in newly diagnosed cancer patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A comparison of two psychological interventions for newly-diagnosed gynecological cancer patients. Manne, SL., Virtue, SM., Ozga, M., et al.[2018]

References

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

Emotional processing during psychotherapy among women newly diagnosed with a gynecological cancer. [2022]

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

A comparison of two psychological interventions for newly-diagnosed gynecological cancer patients. [2018]

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

Advanced communication: A critical component of high quality gynecologic cancer care: A Society of Gynecologic Oncology evidence based review and guide. [2019]

4. Thailand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Coping and quality of life in Turkish women living with ovarian cancer. [2022]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

How to facilitate psychosocial adjustment in women tested for hereditary breast or ovarian cancer susceptibility? Insights from network analysis. [2020]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Coping with cancer: examining the supports available to women with gynecologic cancer at Saskatoon Cancer Center. [2018]

7. China pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Associations Between Stress Coping Strategies and Perceived Social Support in Young Patients with Gynecologic Cancers]. [2018]

8. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dyadic coping in young and middle-aged women with gynecological cancer: a latent class analysis. [2022]

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

Care Processes and Quality-of-Life Outcomes Affecting the Gynecologic Cancer Survivorship Experience. [2023]