Testing the Feasibility of Psychosocial Oncology Support During Neoadjuvant Therapy for Patients With Localized Pancreatic Cancer

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a psychosocial oncology intervention designed to support patients with localized pancreatic cancer undergoing neoadjuvant therapy before surgery. Neoadjuvant therapy, which may include chemotherapy and/or radiation, aims to shrink the tumor and reduce cancer spread, improving surgery success and survival rates. Despite these benefits, this treatment can cause significant physical and emotional side effects, so adding psychosocial support may help improve patients' quality of life during this phase. The study involves patients receiving weekly telehealth sessions with a psychologist for 40 minutes over four weeks, alongside their usual physical therapy and nutritional therapy referrals. This psychosocial care is provided during the neoadjuvant therapy period, with the goal to ease emotional distress and enhance overall well-being. The intervention is tested for feasibility and acceptability, with patients continuing their standard medical treatments throughout. Participants will be monitored for up to one year to assess how well the psychosocial intervention is accepted and its effects on quality of life, mood, worry, and feelings of uncertainty. Researchers will collect data through questionnaires and interviews to evaluate these outcomes. Safety and overall health will also be followed, ensuring comprehensive support while patients prepare for surgery and recovery.

A Brief Psychological Intervention to Improve Emotional Well-Being During Neoadjuvant Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer