What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

Common treatments for blood cancers include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation. Chemotherapy works by killing rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. Targeted therapy blocks specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival, while immunotherapy boosts the body's immune system to fight cancer. Stem cell transplantation replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy cells. These treatments are crucial for blood cancer patients as they directly target the cancerous cells, but they can also cause significant psychological distress. Psychotherapy, such as Accelerated Resolution Therapy, is important as it helps manage the emotional and psychological impact of cancer and its treatment, improving overall patient well-being and potentially enhancing treatment outcomes.

What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for blood cancers, such as chemotherapy and targeted therapies like ruxolitinib, often have significant side effects. Chemotherapy can lead to fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and increased susceptibility to infections. Ruxolitinib, used for conditions like myelofibrosis, can cause anemia, thrombocytopenia, and potential withdrawal symptoms like fever and hypotension if discontinued abruptly. Psychotherapeutic interventions, such as Accelerated Resolution Therapy, are being studied to help manage the psychological impact of these treatments, including depressive symptoms, trauma, and stress-related disorders.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

FDA approvals for the treatment of blood cancers primarily focus on pharmacological therapies, including chemotherapeutic agents, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies. While Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a psychotherapy aimed at reducing depressive symptoms, trauma, and stress-related disorders, there are no specific FDA-approved psychotherapies for blood cancers. However, supportive care, including psychological interventions, is an essential component of comprehensive cancer care to address the emotional and psychological needs of patients. Pharmacological treatments for blood cancers include drugs like ruxolitinib for myelofibrosis and various chemotherapeutic regimens for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives to Accelerated Resolution Therapy for blood cancer patients include: 1) Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), which has shown broad symptom improvement in cancer survivors; 2) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly for managing insomnia and psychological distress; 3) Bright Light Therapy, which has been effective in improving cancer-related fatigue; and 4) Internet-delivered insomnia interventions, which improve sleep and quality of life for cancer survivors.

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Behavioral Intervention

Psychotherapy for Cancer Distress

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Cindy Tofthagen

Research Sponsored by Mayo Clinic

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be older than 18 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up up to 6 weeks

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial studies whether a type of talk therapy called accelerated resolution therapy (ART) can help cancer patients who are dealing with emotional distress and trauma. ART uses guided eye movements and visualization to help patients change how they think about upsetting memories. The goal is to see if ART can reduce symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and depression in these patients. ART is derived directly from eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and has been used in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Who is the study for?

This trial is for cancer patients who've had treatments like chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant within the last 3 years, or have metastatic cancer. They must be experiencing some trauma and distress related to their condition, as shown by specific questionnaire scores. Participants should not have suicidal thoughts or psychotic behavior and must be able to use web conferencing software or travel to Mayo Clinic.

What is being tested?

The study is testing Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a type of psychotherapy aimed at reducing psychological trauma and distress in cancer patients. The therapy's effectiveness will be measured through questionnaires before and after treatment sessions.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this trial involves psychotherapy rather than medication, traditional physical side effects are not expected. However, participants may experience emotional discomfort when discussing traumatic experiences during therapy sessions.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ up to 6 weeks

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~up to 6 weeks

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and up to 6 weeks for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Cancer distress

Psychological trauma

Secondary study objectives

Anxiety

Depression

Resilience

+1 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Supportive care (ART)Experimental Treatment2 Interventions

Patients undergo ART over 60-90 minutes once a week for up to 5 sessions.

Treatment

First Studied

Drug Approval Stage

How many patients have taken this drug

Psychotherapy

2014

Completed Phase 3

~3440

Do I qualify?Apply below to find out

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for blood cancers include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation. Chemotherapy works by killing rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. Targeted therapy blocks specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival, while immunotherapy boosts the body's immune system to fight cancer. Stem cell transplantation replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy cells. These treatments are crucial for blood cancer patients as they directly target the cancerous cells, but they can also cause significant psychological distress. Psychotherapy, such as Accelerated Resolution Therapy, is important as it helps manage the emotional and psychological impact of cancer and its treatment, improving overall patient well-being and potentially enhancing treatment outcomes.

Solution-focused brief therapy for adolescent and young adult cancer patients in China: a pilot randomized controlled trial.Gentle Massage Improves Disease- and Treatment-Related Symptoms in Patients with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.Psycho-oncologic interventions to reduce distress in cancer patients: a meta-analysis of controlled clinical studies published in People's Republic of China.