Behavioral Intervention for Weight Loss in Breast Cancer Survivors
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores a new method to help breast cancer survivors lose weight using a smartphone app. The app encourages participants to imagine positive future events, potentially leading to better food choices and weight loss. This method is known as the Episodic Future Thinking Intervention. The study includes two groups: one imagines future events, while the other recalls past positive events. The trial seeks breast cancer survivors who have completed their primary treatments, have a BMI of 25 or more, and are motivated to lose weight. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that may enhance weight management strategies for breast cancer survivors.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it does allow participants to continue endocrine and HER2-directed therapy.
What prior data suggests that this behavioral intervention is safe for breast cancer survivors?
A previous study found that Episodic Future Thinking (EFT) helped people with obesity make better food choices and lose weight by reducing impulsive behavior. For breast cancer survivors, EFT might function differently due to their unique experiences and stress levels related to cancer.
Research has shown that EFT involves imagining positive future events, which can lead to healthier lifestyle choices. Delivered through a smartphone app, it is easy to use. Importantly, no serious side effects or risks have been reported with EFT, suggesting it is safe for most people, including those recovering from cancer.
While researchers continue to study EFT, its current use in other groups with obesity shows promise for being safe and effective.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these treatments because they offer a fresh approach to weight loss for breast cancer survivors using mental time travel. Unlike traditional weight loss methods, which often focus on diet and exercise, these treatments tap into the power of Episodic Future Thinking (EFT) and Episodic Recall Thinking (ERT). EFT encourages patients to imagine positive future events, while ERT focuses on recalling positive past experiences. By using guided smartphone apps to prompt these thoughts, the treatments aim to change eating behaviors and enhance motivation in a new, engaging way. This novel approach could potentially lead to sustainable weight loss by reshaping how individuals think about their actions and outcomes.
What evidence suggests that this trial's interventions could be effective for weight loss in breast cancer survivors?
Research has shown that thinking about future goals, known as Episodic Future Thinking (EFT), can aid in weight loss. In this trial, participants in Arm I will engage in EFT, which encourages a focus on the future, potentially reducing impulsive decisions and promoting healthier food choices and weight loss. For individuals with obesity, EFT has been linked to lower body weight and an increased ability to wait for larger rewards rather than opting for smaller, immediate ones. For breast cancer survivors, focusing on the future with EFT might be particularly beneficial due to the stress and changes in outlook after treatment. Although more research is needed specifically for cancer survivors, early findings are promising for improving health and managing weight.12467
Who Is on the Research Team?
Sagar D Sardesai, MBBS MPH
Principal Investigator
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for breast cancer survivors who are overweight (BMI >= 25), over the age of 18, have finished their main treatments at least 21 days ago, and want to lose weight. They must be able to use a mobile device and understand English. Those with stage IV cancer or involved in another weight loss study can't join.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants engage in either Episodic Future Thinking (EFT) or Episodic Recent Thinking (ERT) intervention over 12 weeks using a guided smartphone application
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in weight, delay discounting, and other health outcomes after the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Episodic Future thinking Intervention
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
Lead Sponsor