Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Brain Tumor Patients

(CBT-I in PBT Trial)

Overseen By Mary Bridgman

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 2

Sponsor: Virginia Commonwealth University

Disqualifiers: Major communication difficulties, others

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

Prior Safety Data This treatment has passed at least one previous human trial

Approved in 3 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 19

Duration: 6 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) in helping people with primary brain tumors who struggle with sleep. The main goal is to determine if this therapy can serve as a useful treatment option, enhancing overall wellbeing. Participants are divided into two groups: one receives regular care, while the other undergoes CBT-I through online sessions. Suitable candidates have a primary brain tumor, a diagnosis of insomnia according to standard guidelines, and the ability to attend weekly virtual meetings. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on assessing the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to significant findings.

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 is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia is safe for individuals with primary brain tumors?

Research has shown that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is generally safe for individuals with sleep difficulties. Studies have found that delivering CBT-I through telehealth is practical and well-received by patients, including those with primary brain tumors. A small initial trial demonstrated that this approach is safe and effective, with many participants continuing the treatment. Additionally, reviews of multiple studies confirm the safety of CBT-I, highlighting its long-lasting benefits without the side effects often associated with medications. This suggests that CBT-I is a well-tolerated option for improving sleep without significant negative effects. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Telehealth Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) in brain tumor patients because it offers a unique, remote approach to managing sleep issues. Unlike traditional in-person therapy, this telehealth method can be accessed from the comfort of a patient's home, making it more convenient and accessible, especially for those with mobility challenges. Additionally, CBT-I doesn’t rely on medication, reducing the risk of side effects and drug interactions, which can be particularly beneficial for patients who are already managing complex health conditions.

What evidence suggests that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia might be an effective treatment for insomnia in brain tumor patients?

Research has shown that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) effectively improves sleep for many people, including cancer survivors and those with brain injuries. One study found that online CBT-I with clinician support offers significant benefits for insomnia and related issues. Another review demonstrated that CBT-I greatly reduces insomnia symptoms in numerous studies involving thousands of people. This therapy combines methods that address the behaviors and thoughts causing insomnia. In this trial, participants will receive either Telehealth Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia or Enhanced Treatment as Usual. Although researchers have not specifically tested CBT-I in patients with primary brain tumors, its success in similar groups suggests it might help those with brain tumors manage their insomnia as well. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Ashlee Loughan, Ph.D

Principal Investigator

Virginia Commonwealth University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with primary brain tumors like glioblastoma, oligodendroglioma, astrocytoma, meningioma, or brain lymphoma who are also experiencing insomnia. Details about specific inclusion and exclusion criteria are not provided.

Inclusion Criteria

Meets Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders version 5 (DSM-V) diagnostic criteria for insomnia

Has a reliable internet connection

I had brain surgery more than 2 weeks ago, if that applies to me.

Exclusion Criteria

I cannot attend weekly online meetings.

Currently a prisoner or residing in a correctional facility

I am able to understand and sign the consent form.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants receive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) via telehealth

6 weeks

Weekly sessions (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

12 weeks

Assessments at Week 18

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia

Trial Overview The study tests Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) in patients with primary brain tumors to see if it's feasible and acceptable. It will look at how well the therapy works to improve sleep and overall wellbeing.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Telehealth Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: Enhanced Treatment as Usual Active Control 1 Intervention

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia is already approved in United States, European Union, United Kingdom for the following indications:

Approved in United States as CBT-I for:

• Insomnia
• Depression

Approved in European Union as CBT-I for:

• Insomnia
• Depression

Approved in United States as Somryst for:

• Chronic Insomnia

Approved in United Kingdom as Sleepio for:

• Insomnia

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Virginia Commonwealth University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

732

Recruited

22,900,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Telehealth group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) was found to be safe and acceptable for patients with primary brain tumors, with a high enrollment rate of 98% and an 80% retention rate across six sessions.

Participants reported significant improvements in insomnia severity, sleep quality, and fatigue, with these benefits maintained at a 3-month follow-up, indicating the potential efficacy of CBT-I in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Telehealth group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) in primary brain tumor: Primary outcomes from a single-arm Phase 2 feasibility and proof-of-concept trial. Loughan, AR., Lanoye, A., Willis, KD., et al.[2023]

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) significantly reduces insomnia severity, sleep onset latency, and wake after sleep onset in cancer patients, while improving sleep efficiency, based on a meta-analysis of 16 trials with 1523 participants.

Group CBT-I is the most effective delivery format, showing sustained improvements in sleep efficiency and total sleep time at short-term follow-up, although the benefits diminish over time, highlighting the need for further high-quality studies to confirm long-term efficacy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia in cancer patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Gao, Y., Liu, M., Yao, L., et al.[2022]

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is an effective treatment for insomnia in breast cancer survivors, significantly improving sleep quality, mood, and overall quality of life based on a review of 16 studies.

The benefits of CBT-I, including reductions in fatigue and menopausal symptoms, are durable, lasting up to 12 months after treatment, highlighting its potential as a long-term solution for insomnia in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Review of the Literature. Aricò, D., Raggi, A., Ferri, R.[2020]

A study involving 44 patients with primary brain tumors will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of a six-week group-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) intervention delivered via telehealth.

This research aims to determine if CBT-I can effectively address sleep disturbances in this underserved population, potentially leading to broader implementation in neuro-oncology clinics if successful.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Study protocol for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in patients with primary brain tumor: A single-arm phase 2a proof-of-concept trial. Loughan, AR., Lanoye, A., Willis, KD., et al.[2023]

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) is the recommended first-line treatment for insomnia, but its high cost and limited availability of trained providers hinder access, especially for vulnerable groups like military personnel and the elderly.

Digital CBTI (dCBTI) is emerging as a promising and scalable alternative that could improve access to effective insomnia treatment, particularly for those who face barriers to traditional CBTI.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Insomnia overview: epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and monitoring, and nonpharmacologic therapy. Dopheide, JA.[2021]

Internet-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (iCBT-I) significantly improved sleep outcomes in 255 breast cancer survivors with clinically significant sleep disturbances, showing a strong effect on insomnia severity (Cohen's d = 1.17).

The benefits of iCBT-I were not only immediate but also sustained at follow-up, indicating its potential as a low-cost and effective treatment option that could be integrated into cancer rehabilitation programs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Internet-Delivered Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Zachariae, R., Amidi, A., Damholdt, MF., et al.[2023]

In a pilot study involving 74 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, Brief Behavioral Therapy for Cancer-Related Insomnia (BBT-CI) significantly improved insomnia symptoms compared to a sleep hygiene pamphlet control.

The effectiveness of BBT-CI was particularly pronounced in patients with lower anxiety levels, those who had undergone previous cancer surgeries, and those with higher baseline symptom severity, suggesting that certain patient characteristics may influence treatment outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A novel approach to management of sleep-associated problems in patients with breast cancer (MOSAIC) during chemotherapy : A pilot study. Palesh, O., Solomon, N., Hofmeister, E., et al.[2021]

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) has been shown to significantly improve sleep quality and psychological outcomes in cancer patients and survivors, based on a review of 12 studies.

CBT-I not only enhances sleep but may also positively affect mood, fatigue, and overall quality of life, and it can be delivered through various methods to reach more patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sleeping well with cancer: a systematic review of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in cancer patients. Garland, SN., Johnson, JA., Savard, J., et al.[2022]

Digital cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (dCBT-I) significantly improves sleep quality in patients with insomnia, particularly in those with anxiety disorders, as shown in a study of 6,002 patients over a 12-week period.

Patients receiving dCBT-I monotherapy and those with combined therapy showed notable improvements in sleep quality, with the most significant changes observed in the anxiety group, indicating that dCBT-I is a practical and effective treatment option.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Digital cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia improving sleep quality: a real-world study. Liang, S., Mao, H., Yang, J., et al.[2022]

Digital cognitive behavioral therapy (dCBT) significantly improves functional health, psychological well-being, and sleep-related quality of life in individuals with insomnia, based on a study of 1711 participants over 24 weeks.

The reduction in insomnia symptoms was a key factor mediating these improvements, highlighting that dCBT effectively addresses both daytime and nighttime issues related to poor sleep.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia on Health, Psychological Well-being, and Sleep-Related Quality of Life: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Espie, CA., Emsley, R., Kyle, SD., et al.[2023]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10911999/

Telehealth group Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia ... Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a nonpharmacological treatment for sleep, never trialed in patients with primary brain tumors (PwPBT).

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389945725000723

Web-based cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia in ... Web-based CBT-I with clinician support appears to be an effective treatment for insomnia in cancer survivors, offering meaningful benefits for comorbid symptoms ...

3. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41746-025-01514-4

Systematic review and meta-analysis on fully automated ... This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of FA dCBT-I across 29 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 9475 participants.

4. jcsm.aasm.org jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.11756

main outcomes of a randomized dismantling trial CBT-I combines 2 component interventions that target distinct factors that contribute to insomnia symptoms: behavioral therapy (BT) and ...

5. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2820897

Internet-Guided Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia ... These findings suggest that when successfully completed, eCBT-I can provide clinical benefits in military service members and veterans with TBI and insomnia.

6. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37796017/

Telehealth group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia ... Results of this proof-of-concept trial indicate that telehealth group CBT-I is feasible, safe, and acceptable among PwPBT, providing support ...

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451865423000297

Study protocol for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ... This trial will be the first to assess feasibility, acceptability, and safety of CBT-I in PwPBT. If successful, this protocol will be implemented in a more ...

8. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41746-025-01847-0

A randomized controlled trial of a digital cognitive ... Meta-analyses support CBT-I as efficacious and safe, with long-lasting effects in older adults. As a behavioral rather than pharmacological ...

9. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04919993

CBT for Insomnia in Primary Brain Tumor Patients | ... The purpose of this study is to pilot test an empirically supported psychotherapeutic intervention, Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) in ...

10. academic.oup.com academic.oup.com/neuro-oncology/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/neuonc/noad193/7289558?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=true

Telehealth group Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia ... Overall, there was an 80% retention rate for the 6-session telehealth group CBT-I intervention. All participants endorsed moderate-to-strong ...