Behavioral Activation Therapy Delivered Remotely to Treat Depression in Older Adult Cancer Survivors

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying whether a psychotherapy method called behavioral activation BA can be effectively delivered remotely by phone or video to treat depression in older adult cancer survivors. This study compares BA with supportive psychotherapy, aiming to understand if these approaches can improve depressive symptoms in this population. The trial is a phase 2, randomized, double-blind study sponsored by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Participants will receive either behavioral activation or supportive psychotherapy, both provided remotely via video-conference or telephone based on patient preference. Full participants will have ten weekly sessions lasting 30 to 50 minutes over about 10 weeks. Training case participants will receive the same number of sessions over approximately 5 weeks. These interventions are designed to be accessible and flexible for older adults. Throughout the study, participants will be evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 PHQ-9 to measure depression levels, with the primary outcome assessed two months after the intervention ends. Eligibility includes being 65 or older, having a history of cancer, and meeting cognitive and communication abilities for remote sessions. Safety is monitored by excluding those requiring higher levels of care for suicidal ideation or with significant psychiatric disorders. The study lasts up to the primary completion date in June 2027.

A Study of Brief Behavioral Activation for the Treatment of Depression in Older Adult Cancer Survivors