Managing Distress in Malignant Brain Cancer

Abstract

The current state of the science leaves neuro-oncology providers aware of their patients' distress, yet without guidance for evidence-based treatment. Previous trials of evidence-based treatment for patients in this context did not include individuals with brain cancer. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of CALM, an evidenced-based treatment which aims to relieve distress following a brain cancer diagnosis, to meet military and civilian needs. Although research suggests CALM reduces distress in patients with advanced cancer, it has not been tested in brain cancer populations. Additionally, there may be a potential need for adaptations for this population, which will be studied in this trial. The first study is a single-arm, mixed-methods, Phase IIa, proof-of-concept trial (N=12) to inform CALM adaptations for Service Members, Veterans, their beneficiaries, and civilians with brain metastases. Upon completion of the Phase IIa trial, we will conduct a 2-year multi-arm randomized Phase IIb Pilot Trial (N = 60). CALM is being delivered individually to participants by trained CALM interventionists via telehealth. Currently, we have recruited 8/12 participants for the first phase of the trial. Two patients withdrew before study completion. Six patients have completed their course of CALM therapy.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 2022
Accession Number
AD1190784

Entities

People

  • Ashlee R Loughan

Organizations

  • Virginia Commonwealth University

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acceptability
  • Availability
  • Biomedical Research
  • Data Analysis
  • Department Of Defense
  • Electronic Mail
  • Information Operations
  • Instructors
  • Intervention
  • Law
  • Management Personnel
  • Maryland
  • Neoplasms
  • Oncology
  • Professional Development
  • Standards
  • Students
  • Technology Transfer
  • Training
  • Universities
  • Virginia

Fields of Study

  • Medicine
  • Psychology

Readers

  • Clinical Trial Research.
  • Oncology
  • Psychological Intervention/Treatment for Stress, Anxiety, PTSD, and Related Emotional and Cognitive Health Symptoms.