Meaning-Centered Therapy for Cancer

Overseen By Francesca Gany, MD, MS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Disqualifiers: Cognitive impairment, Serious psychiatric condition, Suicide risk, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 4-8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Latinos (MCP-L) can more effectively reduce anxiety and depression in cancer patients compared to the usual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Researchers also seek feedback from participants and therapists on the therapy and its various aspects. The trial seeks patients with advanced breast, prostate, colorectal, or thyroid cancer who speak Spanish and are receiving outpatient care. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research tailored for the Latino community.

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

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Latinos (MCP-L) is safe?

Research has shown that Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Latinos (MCP-L) is generally safe for participants. In a study involving 57 Latino cancer patients and their caregivers, 73.75% to 95.5% reported tolerating MCP-L well, indicating that most experienced no negative effects. MCP-L has been specially adapted to support the spiritual and emotional needs of Latino cancer patients, helping to reduce anxiety and depression. Although information on negative side effects is limited, the high satisfaction rates suggest that the therapy is comfortable and manageable for participants. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Latinos (MCP-L) is unique because it focuses on helping cancer patients find a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives, which is different from standard treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that target changing thought patterns and behaviors. Researchers are excited about MCP-L because it addresses the emotional and existential distress that often accompanies cancer diagnoses, particularly in Latino communities. By honing in on cultural values and personal significance, MCP-L aims to improve the quality of life and emotional well-being of patients in ways that traditional therapies might not fully achieve.

What evidence suggests that Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Latinos could be effective for reducing anxiety and depression?

Research has shown that Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Latinos (MCP-L), which participants in this trial may receive, can reduce anxiety and depression in Latino cancer patients. A survey of Latino patients and caregivers found that 73.75% to 95.5% considered MCP helpful. This therapy aims to enhance spiritual well-being, which is crucial for overall quality of life. It has been specially adapted to meet the cultural needs of Latino patients, increasing its relevance and effectiveness. These findings suggest that MCP-L could be a promising approach to improving mental health for Latinos dealing with cancer. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Rosario Costas Muniz, PhD

Principal Investigator

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Mexican adults with advanced breast, prostate, colorectal, or thyroid cancer. Participants should be experiencing emotional distress related to their condition. There are no specific inclusion criteria provided here, but typically participants must meet certain health conditions and agree to the study's procedures.

Inclusion Criteria

Receiving ambulatory care at INCan

My cancer is at stage III or IV.

Professional role of administrators, clinicians, mental health providers, supervised therapists-in-training, or other related provider delivering the MCP-L experimental intervention

Exclusion Criteria

I am able to understand and consent to participate in the study.

I am too sick to take part due to severe symptoms or pain.

Diagnosed with a major disabling and serious psychiatric condition

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Latinos (MCP-L) or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

4-8 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in anxiety and depression levels post-intervention

1 month

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Latinos /MCP-L

Trial Overview The study compares Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Latinos (MCP-L) with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to see which is better at reducing anxiety and depression and improving quality of life in cancer patients.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Experimental Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Latinos (MCP-L)

Group II: Control Intervention Active Control 1 Intervention

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,998

Recruited

602,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7104896/

Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Latino Patients with ... This study describes the cultural and linguistic adaptation of individual meaning-centered psychotherapy for Latinos with advanced cancer.

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07225309

A Study of Meaning-Centered Therapy for Mexican Adults ... The purpose of this study is to find out if Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Latinos (MCP-L) helps reduce anxiety and depression and improves quality of ...

3. bmjopen.bmj.com bmjopen.bmj.com/content/12/4/e045487

Cultural adaptation of meaning-centered psychotherapy for ... This project is the first development of a culturally and linguistically adapted intervention for Latinx families coping with advanced cancer. The results of ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9924273/

International adaptation of Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy ... The primary desired outcome of MCP-L is to improve the spiritual well-being of Latino cancer patients, as measured by the Spanish language version of the ...

5. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/psychotherapy-for-advanced-cancer-in-latinos-02452

Psychotherapy for Advanced Cancer in Latinos A survey of 57 Latino advanced cancer patients and 57 caregivers revealed that a high percentage (73.75% to 95.5%) found Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy (MCP) ...