30 Participants Needed

Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregiver Support

Recruiting at 1 trial location
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Mayo Clinic
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This clinical trial assesses the acceptability and feasibility of a virtual group Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers (MCP-C) and its effect in improving the wellbeing of caregivers of patients with advanced cancer. Caregivers often suffer from significant existential distress, which includes feelings of hopelessness, demoralization, burden, loss of meaning and dignity, and a decreased will to live. MCP-C seeks to help caregivers connect to meaning and purpose despite the challenges of caregiving and helps caregivers understand how sources of meaning may help with symptoms of burden and reduce despair. Participating in MCP-C may help improve sense of personal meaning, spiritual well-being, and mood in caregivers of patients with advanced cancer.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, since this is a psychotherapy trial, it is unlikely that you will need to change your medication regimen.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers (MCP-C)?

Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy (MCP) has been shown to help patients with advanced cancer by improving their sense of meaning and spiritual well-being. MCP-C, which is adapted for caregivers, aims to reduce the emotional burden and increase the sense of purpose for those caring for cancer patients, suggesting it could be similarly beneficial.12345

Is Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy safe for cancer caregivers?

Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy (MCP) and its adaptation for cancer caregivers (MCP-C) are generally considered safe, as they are structured talk therapies designed to help with emotional and existential distress, without any reported harmful effects in the studies available.12346

How is Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers (MCP-C) different from other treatments for caregiver support?

Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers (MCP-C) is unique because it specifically targets existential distress (deep feelings of meaninglessness and anxiety about life) in caregivers, which is not addressed by other psychosocial interventions. It is a structured therapy that helps caregivers find meaning and purpose in their role, and it can be delivered flexibly over the Internet, making it more accessible.12345

Research Team

DR

Deirdre R. Pachman, MD

Principal Investigator

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for caregivers of patients with advanced cancer who are experiencing emotional distress. Caregivers must have access to the internet and a device for virtual sessions. Specific eligibility details aren't provided, but typically participants need to meet certain health and demographic criteria.

Inclusion Criteria

* English fluency
* No diagnosed severe cognitive impairment
* Caregiver of a patient with diagnosis of advanced, solid tumor cancer (stage III/stage IV)
See 4 more

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Caregivers participate in MCP-C virtual group discussion sessions and complete reading exercises and workbook assignments once weekly

8 weeks
8 virtual group sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in personal meaning, spiritual well-being, anxiety, depression, attitude toward caregiving, social support, and benefit finding

2 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers (MCP-C)
Trial Overview The trial tests a virtual group therapy called Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers (MCP-C). It aims to improve wellbeing by helping caregivers find meaning and purpose in their role, despite its challenges.
Participant Groups
1Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Supportive Care (MCP-C)Experimental Treatment5 Interventions
Caregivers participate in MCP-C virtual group discussion sessions over 90 minutes each and complete reading exercises and workbook assignments once weekly for 8 weeks throughout the study.

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Mayo Clinic

Lead Sponsor

Trials
3,427
Recruited
3,221,000+

Findings from Research

A case study involving a patient with Glioblastoma Multiforme and his caregiver showed that concurrent engagement in Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy (MCP) and Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Caregivers (MCP-C) led to enhanced well-being for both individuals.
Both the patient and caregiver experienced increased connectedness and improved coping with existential distress, suggesting that simultaneous participation in these therapies may provide unique benefits that warrant further research.
The benefits of concurrent engagement in meaning-centered psychotherapy and meaning-centered psychotherapy for cancer caregivers: A case study.Roberts, KE., Applebaum, AJ.[2023]
Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers (MCP-C) is designed to address existential distress, a significant but often overlooked aspect of caregiver burden in those caring for patients with advanced cancer.
A case study from an initial MCP-C group revealed that participants experienced personal growth, improved self-care, and a deeper understanding of their caregiving experience, highlighting the potential benefits of this intervention.
Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers (MCP-C): Rationale and Overview.Applebaum, AJ., Kulikowski, JR., Breitbart, W.[2022]
The Care for the Cancer Caregiver (CCC) Workshop, a web-based adaptation of Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy, was found to be feasible and acceptable for cancer caregivers, with 84 participants randomized to either the workshop or a waitlist control.
While no significant differences were observed between groups in most measures, caregivers in the CCC Workshop showed significant increases in benefit finding, suggesting that the program may help enhance caregivers' sense of meaning and purpose over time.
Exploring the cancer caregiver's journey through web-based Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy.Applebaum, AJ., Buda, KL., Schofield, E., et al.[2021]

References

The benefits of concurrent engagement in meaning-centered psychotherapy and meaning-centered psychotherapy for cancer caregivers: A case study. [2023]
Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers (MCP-C): Rationale and Overview. [2022]
Exploring the cancer caregiver's journey through web-based Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy. [2021]
An adaptation of meaning-centered psychotherapy integrating "essential care": A pilot study. [2022]
Meaning-centered psychotherapy integrated with elements of compassion: A pilot study to assess feasibility and utility. [2019]
Preliminary Findings on the Effectiveness of Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy in Patients with Pancreatobiliary Cancer. [2018]
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