Therapy for Young Adults with Cancer and Their Partners

(YAD Trial)

Recruiting at 3 trial locations

Overseen By Zeba N Ahmad, Ph.D.

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

Disqualifiers: Uncontrolled psychosis, active suicidal ideation, cognitive impairment

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 8

20 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Young Adults Coping with Cancer Together Intervention?

The Couplelinks study shows that online programs can help young couples facing cancer improve how they cope together, suggesting that similar interventions may be effective for young adults with cancer and their partners. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How is the Young Adults Coping with Cancer Together Intervention treatment different from other treatments for young adults with cancer?

This treatment is unique because it focuses on helping young adults with cancer and their partners cope together, addressing both emotional and relational challenges during a critical developmental stage. Unlike other treatments, it emphasizes the role of partners and the couple's relationship in managing the impact of cancer, which is particularly important for younger couples who may face more stress and less collaborative coping. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this pilot study is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a brief psychotherapy intervention to improve psychosocial coping and maintain couple relationships among young adults (aged 25-39) with cancer and their caregiving partners.

Research Team

Jamie M Jacobs, PhD

Principal Investigator

Massachusetts General Hospital

Giselle K Perez, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Massachusetts General Hospital

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for young adult cancer patients aged 25-39 and their partners, who are either currently undergoing treatment or have completed it within the past two years at Massachusetts General Cancer Center. Participants must show significant distress on a screening questionnaire and be English-speaking.

Inclusion Criteria

I am currently in cancer treatment or finished it within the last two years at MGHCC.

Indicates a score ≥4 on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) adapted distress thermometer study screening questions

Partner of a participant indicating a score ≥4 on the NCCN adapted distress thermometer study screening questions

Exclusion Criteria

Uncontrolled psychosis

I am currently having thoughts about harming myself.

I have difficulty with memory or thinking clearly.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants attend dyadic virtual psychotherapy sessions lasting 45-60 minutes on a weekly basis for eight weeks

8 weeks

8 virtual sessions

Follow-up

Participants complete surveys and optional semi-structured exit interviews to assess the intervention's feasibility and acceptability

2 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Young Adults Coping with Cancer Together Intervention

Trial Overview The study tests a brief psychotherapy intervention aimed at improving coping mechanisms and preserving couple relationships among young adults with cancer and their caregiving partners.

Participant Groups

Group I: Young Adults Coping with Cancer Together Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Young adults with cancer and their partner-caregivers will attend dyadic virtual psychotherapy sessions lasting 45-60 minutes on a weekly basis for eight weeks.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Massachusetts General Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,066

Recruited

13,430,000+

Findings from Research

The Couplelinks web-based program showed modest improvements in positive dyadic coping among 75 couples affected by breast cancer, but these effects did not last at the 3-month follow-up.

No significant changes were observed in overall relationship adjustment, suggesting that the program may need to focus more on addressing specific relationship problems rather than just enhancing coping strategies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Couplelinks online intervention for young couples facing breast cancer: A randomised controlled trial. Fergus, K., Ahmad, S., Gardner, S., et al.[2022]

This study aims to understand the experiences and needs of partners supporting adolescents and young adults with cancer, recognizing the unique challenges they face during a critical developmental stage.

Through qualitative interviews and diary entries, the research will identify key themes that can inform future guidance and support for partners, enhancing their ability to cope and maintain their relationships during this difficult time.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The experience and role of partners in helping to meet the support needs of adolescents and young adults with cancer. Davies, J.[2019]

The Hand in Hand intervention is a randomized controlled trial involving 199 breast cancer patients and their partners, aimed at improving emotional coping through couple sessions with a psychologist, in addition to usual care.

The primary outcome measures cancer-specific distress in patients at 5 months post-surgery, with secondary outcomes assessing general distress, anxiety, depression, and relationship dynamics, highlighting the intervention's potential to enhance psychosocial support for couples facing breast cancer.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Attachment-oriented psychological intervention for couples facing breast cancer: protocol of a randomised controlled trial. Nicolaisen, A., Hansen, DG., Hagedoorn, M., et al.[2018]

Young adult cancer patients and their families often coordinate support based on their strengths, which influences who takes on caregiving roles during treatment.

The relationship history between patients and caregivers significantly affects trust and expectations regarding the type of psychosocial support needed, highlighting the importance of understanding family dynamics in cancer care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Family dynamics in young adult cancer caregiving: "It should be teamwork". Reblin, M., Stanley, NB., Galligan, A., et al.[2020]

After cancer therapy, a significant percentage of cancer patients (28.3%) and their partners (46.2%) experienced moderate to high levels of anxiety, indicating that cancer affects the emotional well-being of both parties.

While partners showed a decrease in anxiety and depression over the year following therapy, patients' levels of anxiety and depression remained unchanged, highlighting the need for ongoing social support for both patients and their partners.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Psychological distress of cancer patients with children under 18 years and their partners-a longitudinal study of family relationships using dyadic data analysis. Götze, H., Friedrich, M., Brähler, E., et al.[2018]

Younger couples coping with breast cancer reported significantly worse quality of life and dyadic coping compared to middle-aged couples, indicating that age influences how couples manage stress together.

The study found that relational mutuality had a stronger impact on coping behaviors in younger couples, suggesting that enhancing mutual support could improve their coping strategies and overall quality of life.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dyadic Coping Across the Lifespan: A Comparison Between Younger and Middle-Aged Couples With Breast Cancer. Acquati, C., Kayser, K.[2023]

Recent research highlights the importance of partners in managing cancer-related distress, emphasizing that improved communication and intimacy can enhance emotional well-being for cancer survivors and their partners.

There is a growing recognition of the need to incorporate psychosocial research findings into standard care practices, focusing on topics like grief and the 'new normal' in sexual health, to better support couples during and after cancer treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Emotional and sexual health in cancer: partner and relationship issues. Wittmann, D.[2016]

The study analyzed online narratives from 46 young adults affected by cancer, revealing 10 key themes related to their experiences, including feelings of isolation, guilt, and the importance of creating a positive attitude.

Blogs serve as a valuable platform for young cancer patients to connect and share their experiences, especially when they face physical limitations or isolation due to treatment, highlighting the potential for online support networks.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The experience of young adult cancer patients described through online narratives. Kim, B., Gillham, DM.[2013]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Couplelinks online intervention for young couples facing breast cancer: A randomised controlled trial. [2022]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The experience and role of partners in helping to meet the support needs of adolescents and young adults with cancer. [2019]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Attachment-oriented psychological intervention for couples facing breast cancer: protocol of a randomised controlled trial. [2018]

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

Family dynamics in young adult cancer caregiving: "It should be teamwork". [2020]

5. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Psychological distress of cancer patients with children under 18 years and their partners-a longitudinal study of family relationships using dyadic data analysis. [2018]

6. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dyadic Coping Across the Lifespan: A Comparison Between Younger and Middle-Aged Couples With Breast Cancer. [2023]

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

Emotional and sexual health in cancer: partner and relationship issues. [2016]

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

The experience of young adult cancer patients described through online narratives. [2013]