Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregiver Support

Enrolling by invitation at 1 trial location

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Mayo Clinic

Disqualifiers: Psychotic episode, Schizophrenia, Bipolar, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 8

Duration: 8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy, a therapy designed to support caregivers of people with advanced cancer. Many caregivers experience feelings of hopelessness and heavy burdens, and this therapy aims to help them find meaning and purpose, potentially improving mood and well-being. Participants will join virtual group sessions and complete exercises over eight weeks. Caregivers for someone with advanced, stage III or IV solid tumor cancer might be a good fit, especially if they feel overwhelmed or distressed. As an unphased trial, this study offers caregivers a unique opportunity to explore new ways to enhance emotional well-being and resilience.

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 prior data suggests that Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers is safe?

Research has shown that Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers (MCP-C) is a safe option for those considering joining a clinical trial. Studies have examined MCP-C and found that participants tolerate it well.

This therapy helps caregivers of cancer patients find meaning and purpose in their lives. It includes group discussions and activities designed to boost well-being. As a form of talk therapy, it does not cause physical side effects like those associated with medication.

Participants in previous sessions have not reported any major negative effects. This suggests that MCP-C is a low-risk option for those seeking to improve their mental and emotional health while supporting loved ones with cancer. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers (MCP-C) because it offers a fresh approach to supporting those who care for cancer patients. Unlike traditional support methods that often focus on stress reduction or coping strategies, MCP-C emphasizes finding personal meaning and purpose in the caregiving experience. This unique focus can enhance emotional resilience and improve overall well-being for caregivers. Additionally, the virtual group format makes it accessible, allowing caregivers to participate from the comfort of their homes, which is a significant advantage over in-person sessions.

What evidence suggests that Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy is effective for improving the wellbeing of cancer caregivers?

Studies have shown that Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers (MCP-C), which participants in this trial will receive, can improve the well-being of those caring for someone with advanced cancer. Research indicates that MCP-C enhances spiritual well-being and helps caregivers find meaning in their caregiving journey. This approach reduces feelings of hopelessness and despair among caregivers. In previous studies, caregivers who participated in MCP-C reported feeling in a better mood and having a stronger sense of purpose. These improvements significantly help caregivers handle the emotional challenges they face. ^{1 4 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Deirdre R. Pachman, MD

Principal Investigator

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

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

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Supportive Care (MCP-C) Experimental Treatment 5 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.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Mayo Clinic

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,427

Recruited

3,221,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Meaning-centered psychotherapy (MCP) was found to significantly reduce anxiety and depression in patients with pancreatobiliary cancer after four therapy sessions, with improvements noted at a 2-month follow-up.

Patients who underwent MCP also experienced a notable enhancement in their quality of life, while those who did not receive MCP showed no significant changes, highlighting the potential effectiveness of this therapeutic approach.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Preliminary Findings on the Effectiveness of Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy in Patients with Pancreatobiliary Cancer. Ryu, JS., Choi, SW., Yun, SS., et al.[2018]

A study involving 51 cancer inpatients found that a Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy Model tailored for palliative care, especially with compassion elements, is feasible and acceptable for patients in their final weeks of life.

Patients reported that key elements like meaning, self-compassion, and legacy were particularly helpful, suggesting that these constructs can aid in coping with the dying process, although further research with larger samples is needed to confirm these benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Meaning-centered psychotherapy integrated with elements of compassion: A pilot study to assess feasibility and utility. Gil, F., Fraguell, C., Benito, L., et al.[2019]

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.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exploring the cancer caregiver's journey through web-based Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy. Applebaum, AJ., Buda, KL., Schofield, E., et al.[2021]

The pilot study involving 30 patients with advanced cancer showed that Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy and Essential Care (MCP-EC) significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness, while enhancing spiritual well-being and a sense of meaning.

Patients reported high satisfaction with the MCP-EC intervention, indicating its feasibility and acceptability compared to usual psychological support, although further research with larger samples is needed to confirm these findings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An adaptation of meaning-centered psychotherapy integrating "essential care": A pilot study. Quílez-Bielsa, E., Barrado-Moreno, V., Lastra Del Prado, R., et al.[2022]

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5084443/

Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers ...

MEANING-CENTERED PSYCHOTHERAPY (MCP)​​ MCP has demonstrated efficacy in improving spiritual well-being and a sense of meaning, and decreasing ...

2.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06307535

A Study of Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for ...

Evaluate the efficacy of MCP-C versus SP-C in improving primary outcomes (i.e., sense of meaning in life, spiritual well-being) immediately post-treatment ...

3.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26000705/

Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers ...

Methods: A case study of a participant from an initial MCP-C group is presented, with a focus on the application of sources of meaning to the cancer caregiving ...

4.

sigmapubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com

sigmapubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/wvn.12752

Effectiveness of meaning‐centered interventions on existential ...

(2022) used Meaning-Centered Psychology for Cancer Caregivers (MCP-C), and the results showed a significant improvement in caregivers' sense ...

5.

academic.oup.com

academic.oup.com/tbm/article-abstract/12/8/841/6646540

Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers: A ...

Constrained linear mixed models indicated the MCP-C arm had statistically significant improvement relative to the EUC arm in the primary outcome ...

6.

academic.oup.com

academic.oup.com/book/24679/chapter/188090523

Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers

In this chapter, we present an overview of MCP-C sessions and techniques, and illustrate its application through a case example. The adaptation of MCP-C for ...

7.

amazon.com

amazon.com/Meaning-Centered-Psychotherapy-Cancer-Caregivers-Therapist/dp/019764077X

Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers: ...

In this manual, the reader will find an overview and background on MCP-C, and in-depth descriptions of each of the seven sessions, with sample therapist scripts ...

8.

cochranelibrary.com

cochranelibrary.com/central/doi/10.1002/central/CN-02407980/full

Cancer Caregivers' Perceptions of a Virtual Meaning

Cancer Caregivers' Perceptions of a Virtual Meaning- Centered Psychotherapy for Caregivers (MCP-C). Gebert R, Polacek L, Lynch K, Loschiavo M, Behrens M ...