Reducing Distress After Stopping Immunotherapy for Cancer Using Telemedicine Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

What this Trial Is About

This research focuses on people who experience distress when stopping immunotherapy treatment for cancer. It aims to evaluate cognitive-behavioral therapy as a way to reduce fear of cancer recurrence, depression, and anxiety, while improving quality of life. The study is led by the University of Pittsburgh and addresses the emotional challenges patients face after ending treatment with checkpoint inhibitors. Participants will receive cognitive-behavioral therapy delivered through telemedicine, which helps overcome barriers like cost, transportation, and scheduling during treatment side effects. This therapy teaches skills based on evidence-based psychological and behavioral strategies tailored to each patients preferences. Those randomized to the experimental arm will be asked to stop their immunotherapy treatment. During the study, participants will be assessed for fear of recurrence, quality of life, anxiety, and depressive symptoms over a three-month period. The remote delivery allows for flexible participation while researchers monitor psychological distress and improvements. The total duration and follow-up details focus mainly on outcomes at three months after therapy begins.

Fear of Recurrence and Stopping Immunotherapy