Actively Recruiting
A Dyadic Intervention for Young Adult Patients With Cancer and Their Partner Caregivers
Led by Massachusetts General Hospital · Updated on 2026-01-12
20
Participants Needed
4
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Young adults aged 25 to 39 who have cancer face unique challenges in coping, and their partners who provide care may feel burdened and less confident in their caregiving roles. Researchers are evaluating a brief psychotherapy intervention designed to improve how these young adults and their caregiving partners cope with cancer and maintain their relationships. This pilot study aims to test whether this intervention is feasible and acceptable in this specific group, providing important information for future larger studies. The intervention involves eight weekly virtual psychotherapy sessions lasting 45 to 60 minutes, delivered to young adults with cancer and their self-identified partners together. It is based on cognitive-behavioral therapy and couples-focused therapy principles tailored for young adults. A trained mental health practitioner will guide the sessions, which include teaching, practical exercises, and home practice. The study includes 10 young adults with cancer and their caregiving partners, totaling 20 participants. Participants will complete surveys before starting the intervention and again after finishing the eight sessions to measure feasibility and acceptability over approximately 14 weeks. They will also be invited to take part in optional interviews to share their experiences. This study is sponsored by Massachusetts General Hospital and does not include a control group or blinding. The total duration of involvement for participants is about three and a half months.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
A Dyadic Intervention for Young Adult Patients With Cancer and Their Partner Caregivers
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Currently receiving active cancer treatment or within two years of completing treatment at Massachusetts General Cancer Center for young adults aged 25-39
- Partner of an individual aged 25-39 currently receiving or within two years of completing cancer treatment at the same center
- Distress score of 4 or higher on the NCCN adapted distress thermometer screening
- English-speaking
You will not qualify if you...
- Uncontrolled psychosis
- Active suicidal thoughts
- Cognitive impairment
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 (virtual or in-person)
Duration - 8 weeks
Participants attend eight weekly virtual dyadic psychotherapy sessions focusing on coping with cancer and caregiving using cognitive-behavioral and couples therapy techniques.
8 weekly virtual sessions
Duration - Approximately 4 weeks after intervention
Participants complete surveys and may choose to participate in optional semi-structured exit interviews to assess the intervention's feasibility and acceptability.
1 follow-up survey and optional interview
Trial Site Locations
Total: 4 locations
1
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02114
Actively Recruiting
2
Emerson Hospital/MGH Cancer Center
Concord, Massachusetts, United States, 01742
Actively Recruiting
3
Mass General at North Shore Cancer Center
Danvers, Massachusetts, United States, 01923
Actively Recruiting
4
Mass General at Newton Wellesley Hospital
Newton, Massachusetts, United States, 02462
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jamie M Jacobs, Ph.D.
Z
Zeba N Ahmad, Ph.D.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Number of Arms
1
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