Online Support and Education for Lung Cancer

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Disqualifiers: Major psychiatric, Cognitive deficits, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 7

Duration: 5 weeks

70 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial studies how well online psychosocial intervention works in improving social well-being and support in women who are undergoing treatment for stage I-IV non-small cell lung cancer. Psychosocial intervention techniques, such as mindfulness, compassion, and emotional processing, may improve distress and help patients manage symptoms related to non-small cell lung cancer.

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 focuses on online support and education, so it's likely you can continue your current treatment, but you should confirm with the trial coordinators.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Online Psychosocial Intervention for lung cancer?

Research shows that online supportive care and psychosocial interventions can help improve the quality of life and reduce psychological distress for lung cancer patients. A study found that a web-based health education program improved emotional well-being and reduced symptom distress in patients with advanced lung cancer. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is online support and education for lung cancer safe for humans?

Research on online support and education for lung cancer patients shows it is generally safe, with improvements in emotional well-being and reduced distress, although some patients experienced a decline in quality of life. ^{1 4 5 6 7}

How does the online support and education treatment for lung cancer differ from other treatments?

This online support and education treatment is unique because it focuses on improving the quality of life and emotional well-being of lung cancer patients through web-based health education, rather than directly targeting the cancer itself. It helps reduce symptom distress and enhance emotional function, which are not typically addressed by standard medical treatments like chemotherapy. ^{1 2 4 8 9}

Research Team

Kathrin Milbury, MA,PHD

Principal Investigator

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for women with stage I-IV non-small cell lung cancer diagnosed within the last 3 months, currently undergoing treatment. Participants must have stable disease if metastatic, be able to perform daily activities (ECOG <=2), have internet access, and can read and speak English. Women already in psychotherapy or support groups or those with major psychiatric issues are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

Have access to the internet

I can take care of myself but might not be able to do heavy physical work.

I am a woman diagnosed with lung cancer recently and my disease is stable.

Exclusion Criteria

Major psychiatric or cognitive deficits that would impede the completion of self-report instruments as deemed by the clinical team

I regularly attend psychotherapy or a cancer support group.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo either psychological or educational intervention sessions once a week for up to 5 weeks

5 weeks

5 visits (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for psychological distress and cancer symptoms after treatment

3 months

2 visits (virtual)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Online Psychosocial Intervention

Trial Overview The study tests an online psychosocial intervention aimed at improving social well-being and support for women during lung cancer treatment. It includes mindfulness, compassion training, emotional processing exercises, educational materials, and questionnaires to track progress.

Participant Groups

Group I: Group II (educational intervention) Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Patients participate in 5 information sessions and receive education on lung cancer, symptom management, communication, and practicing self-care once a week for up to 5 weeks. Patients also complete questionnaires and participate in group sessions as in group I.

Group II: Group I (psychological intervention) Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Patients participate in 5 psychological sessions and complete training on mindfulness, compassion, emotional processing, social support, generating positive emotions, and proactive coping strategies once a week for up to 5 weeks. Patients also complete questionnaires over 35 minutes and participate in video-based group sessions weekly for 5 weeks.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,107

Recruited

1,813,000+

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Collaborator

Trials

14,080

Recruited

41,180,000+

Findings from Research

Preliminary evidence indicates that online supportive care interventions for individuals living with and beyond lung cancer are feasible and acceptable, although most studies are small pilot projects with limited high-level evidence.

Integrating online supportive care into cancer treatment pathways may enhance quality of life and emotional functioning while reducing symptom distress, highlighting the need for further research to expand these supportive care options.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of online supportive care for individuals living with and beyond lung cancer: a systematic review. Curry, J., Patterson, M., Greenley, S., et al.[2022]

Psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapies and mind-body strategies, have been shown to effectively reduce psychological distress and improve quality of life for lung cancer patients, who often face significant emotional challenges due to their diagnosis.

The article emphasizes the importance of these interventions in clinical settings, suggesting that healthcare providers should be aware of and utilize these mental health treatment options to support lung cancer patients and their families.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Psychosocial challenges for patients with advanced lung cancer: interventions to improve well-being. Lehto, RH.[2020]

In a study involving 356 cancer patients, the telephone caseworker (TCW) model showed a significant improvement in physical functioning at 3 months compared to usual care, suggesting potential benefits of this intervention.

Participants in the TCW model reported better communication with their healthcare team and were more likely to have their needs addressed, indicating that this model may help in managing psychosocial needs, although no overall intervention effect was observed.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of two supportive care interventions on anxiety, depression, quality of life, and unmet needs in patients with nonlocalized breast and colorectal cancers. Girgis, A., Breen, S., Stacey, F., et al.[2022]

Internet interventions can effectively address the mental health needs of cancer patients and survivors, helping to fill significant treatment gaps in psychosocial oncology.

Despite the potential, there are currently few rigorous studies on online mental health interventions specifically for cancer patients, highlighting the need for more research and the establishment of best practices in this area.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Internet interventions for improving psychological well-being in psycho-oncology: review and recommendations. Leykin, Y., Thekdi, SM., Shumay, DM., et al.[2022]

References

1. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of online supportive care for individuals living with and beyond lung cancer: a systematic review. [2022]

2. New Zealand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Psychosocial challenges for patients with advanced lung cancer: interventions to improve well-being. [2020]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of two supportive care interventions on anxiety, depression, quality of life, and unmet needs in patients with nonlocalized breast and colorectal cancers. [2022]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of a Web-based Health Education Program on Quality of Life and Symptom Distress of Initially Diagnosed Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. [2020]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Screening for distress, the sixth vital sign, in lung cancer patients: effects on pain, fatigue, and common problems--secondary outcomes of a randomized controlled trial. [2013]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Psychological wellness and health-related stigma: a pilot study of an acceptance-focused cognitive behavioural intervention for people with lung cancer. [2021]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of psychoeducational care provided to adults with cancer: meta-analysis of 116 studies. [2022]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Variables influencing psychosocial adjustment in lung cancer: a preliminary study. [2021]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Internet interventions for improving psychological well-being in psycho-oncology: review and recommendations. [2022]