Behavioral Therapy to Improve Emotional Health and Goal Skills in Young Men with Testicular Cancer

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a new behavioral intervention called Goal-focused Emotion-Regulation Therapy GET aimed at reducing distress, improving emotion regulation, goal navigation skills, and stress-sensitive biomarkers in young adult men diagnosed with testicular cancer. This randomized controlled trial compares GET to Individual Supportive Listening ISL to understand their effects on psychological and biological outcomes. The study focuses on young adults aged 18 to 39 who have completed chemotherapy and experience distress related to their cancer. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either six sessions of GET or ISL over eight weeks. GET helps patients identify meaningful personal goals, refine them, and develop strategies to overcome obstacles while improving emotional regulation and sense of purpose. ISL provides supportive, non-directive therapy focused on listening and encouraging expression of thoughts and feelings. Both interventions are delivered individually via an interactive video platform to improve access. During the study, participants will complete assessments at baseline, immediately after treatment, and at three- and six-month follow-ups. These include questionnaires measuring depression, anxiety, emotion regulation, goal navigation, career confusion, and spiritual well-being. Researchers will also collect biological samples to measure stress hormones and inflammatory markers. The study aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effects of these interventions on psychological distress and biological stress indicators in young adult testicular cancer survivors.

A Biobehavioral Intervention to Reduce Adverse Outcomes in Young Adult Testicular Cancer Survivors