Family Therapy for Cancer Palliative Care and Bereavement

Not currently recruiting at 3 trial locations

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Disqualifiers: Non-English, Under 12, Psychiatric, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 9

Duration: 6-10 sessions over several weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores the effectiveness of family therapy for families coping with a loved one who has advanced cancer. The researchers aim to determine if therapy improves family communication and support during the illness and after the loved one's passing. Participants are divided into three groups: one receiving standard care, another attending six family-focused group therapy sessions, and the last group attending ten sessions. Families with a member suffering from advanced cancer, who can participate in therapy sessions, are eligible for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study provides families with a unique opportunity to enhance their support systems during a challenging time.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on family therapy and does not mention medication changes.

What prior data suggests that family therapy is safe for cancer palliative care and bereavement?

Research has shown that Family Focused Group Therapy (FFGT) is generally safe for use in palliative care. One study found that FFGT helps families cope with grief and improves their mental well-being. Another study found that similar therapies, called family dignity interventions, helped families become more adaptable and closer to each other. This means families feel more connected and supported during difficult times. Overall, evidence indicates that the therapy does not cause harm. The main goal is to improve how families communicate and support each other, which can be especially helpful during tough times of illness and loss. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Family Focused Group Therapy for cancer palliative care and bereavement because it offers a unique approach by involving the entire family in the therapeutic process. Unlike standard care, which typically focuses on the patient and provides social work consultations primarily during hospital admissions, this method includes either six or ten sessions of group therapy that actively engage family members. This holistic approach aims to strengthen family bonds and improve emotional support, which could lead to better coping mechanisms and overall well-being for both patients and their families. By addressing the needs of relatives alongside patients, this therapy has the potential to enhance the quality of life during a challenging time.

What evidence suggests that family therapy is effective for cancer palliative care and bereavement?

Research has shown that Family Focused Group Therapy (FFGT), which participants in this trial may receive, can assist families facing serious illness. It enhances family communication and emotional sharing, potentially preventing depression. This trial will compare different approaches, including FFGT and standard care. Studies indicate that incorporating family dignity activities into regular care increases family adaptability and closeness. Some research also suggests small reductions in distress over time, with improved emotional and grief outcomes for some at-risk families. Overall, FFGT shows promise in supporting families during challenging times. ^{1 2 5 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Talia Zaider, PhD

Principal Investigator

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for families with a member facing advanced cancer. Eligible participants include those with satisfactory cognitive function to consent and participate in therapy, at least two family members willing to join, and certain scores on a family relationship index. Families must speak English and be geographically able to attend sessions. Children under 12 or individuals with significant psychiatric issues are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

I have stage 4 cancer and may be receiving care to ease symptoms.

Individuals with a poor prognosis Patient and Family Member

My family has at least 2 members, including me, ready to participate.

Exclusion Criteria

Geographical inaccessibility for patient and family member to attend family sessions

Significant psychiatric disturbance sufficient, in the investigator's judgment, to preclude participation in a psychotherapeutic intervention

My child is under 12 years old.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Family Focused Grief Therapy sessions are conducted with families of patients with advanced disease

6-10 sessions over several weeks

6 or 10 sessions (in-person)

Bereavement Follow-up

Follow-up of family members for psychosocial well-being, perceptions of family functioning, and costs of health-related care

13 months

Assessments at 3, 6, 9, and 13 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Family Focused Group Therapy
• Standard of Care

Trial Overview The study tests the effectiveness of Family Focused Grief Therapy during palliative care and after death. It compares standard care against family therapy in either 6 or 10 sessions, randomly assigning patients into these groups to see which helps more with communication and support.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: 2 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

10 Sessions of Family Focused Group Therapy

Group II: 1 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

6 sessions of Family Focused Group Therapy

Group III: 3 Active Control 1 Intervention

Standard Care- Social work consultations are routinely provided to the cancer patients, but relatives are only seen during admissions or upon request

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,998

Recruited

602,000+

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Collaborator

Trials

14,080

Recruited

41,180,000+

Beth Israel Medical Center

Collaborator

Trials

71

Recruited

8,500+

Calvary Hospital, Bronx, NY

Collaborator

Trials

13

Recruited

1,500+

Monash University

Collaborator

Trials

204

Recruited

10,570,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6075836/

Family focused grief therapy: a versatile intervention in ... FFGT appears to be successful in fostering open communication, supporting the sharing of grief and protecting against depression.

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024046243

Research article Effects of family dignity interventions ... The addition of family dignity intervention to standard palliative care greatly increased the adaptability and cohesion between survivors and their families.

3. psychiatryonline.org psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/ajp.2006.163.7.1208

Family Focused Grief Therapy: A Randomized, Controlled ... Results: The overall impact of family focused grief therapy was modest, with a reduction in distress at 13 months. Significant improvements in ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7341024/

The impacts and effectiveness of support for people ... These results suggest that FFGT can improve psychological and grief outcomes for some at-risk families. This fits with findings of other reviews on the enhanced ...

5. clinicaltrial.be clinicaltrial.be/en/details/13558?per_page=20&recruiting=1&enrolling_by_invitation=1&active_not_recruiting=1&not_yet_recruiting=0&completed=0&only_recruiting=0&only_eligible=0

Trial of Family Focused Grief Therapy in Palliative Care... This Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) seeks to test the efficacy and dose responsiveness of a manualized family therapy intervention called ...

6. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2585979

Association Between Palliative Care and Patient and ... Overall, 7 trials reported a significant improvement in satisfaction among palliative care recipients, including 1 trial that assessed and was judged at low ...

7. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-10-2005-ab4d6

Family Therapy for Cancer Palliative Care and Bereavement Family Focused Grief Therapy (FFGT) has been studied in palliative care settings and is generally considered safe. It aims to help families manage grief and ...