Actively Recruiting
An ACT-Based Supportive Intervention for Patients With Central Nervous System Tumors
Led by Massachusetts General Hospital · Updated on 2025-07-14
100
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
21 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating a psychosocial support program called ASCENT designed for adults recently diagnosed with malignant brain tumors. The study aims to determine if this ACT-based intervention is practical to offer and helpful to patients, focusing on those within six months of diagnosis. The research includes refining the intervention with feedback from patients and stakeholders before conducting a pilot randomized controlled trial comparing ASCENT to usual care. Participants in the ASCENT group will receive an intervention manual and take part in six individual coaching sessions with a clinician, scheduled weekly or every two weeks. The comparison group will receive usual supportive care, including referrals to cancer center supportive services like social work when requested. Both groups will be asked to complete surveys at four points: baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks. During the study, participants will complete short surveys to assess satisfaction, coping skills, psychological distress, and quality of life. Some may also provide feedback through interviews to help improve the intervention. Researchers will monitor enrollment rates, intervention participation, and satisfaction over up to 12 weeks, with exploratory measures extending to 16 weeks. The total study duration for each participant is approximately 16 weeks, with ongoing evaluations of psychological and behavioral outcomes.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
ASCENT Intervention for Brain Tumor Patients
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 years or older
- Patient at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
- Within 6 months of diagnosis of malignant primary central nervous system tumor
- English speaking
You will not qualify if you...
- Unable to provide informed consent due to severe cognitive impairment or dementia
- Moderate to severe receptive aphasia (Quick Aphasia Battery sentence comprehension score less than 8)
- Current or impending enrollment in hospice care
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to 12 weeks
Participants receive a psychosocial intervention consisting of an intervention manual and six individual coaching sessions delivered weekly or biweekly. Participants in the control group receive usual supportive care, including referrals to cancer center supportive care services upon request.
Six weekly or biweekly individual sessions
Duration - Up to 16 weeks
Participants complete surveys to assess psychological and behavioral outcomes at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks.
Four survey visits: baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02114
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
D
Deborah A Forst, MD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here