Solution-Focused Brief Therapy for Cancer Survivors

Overseen By Cancer AnswerLine

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center

Disqualifiers: End-of-life care, Major physical challenges, Acute mental health conditions, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 4-8 weeks

60 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new method to reduce stress and anxiety in young cancer survivors. It compares an online therapy called Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to the usual care, which includes support and an educational book. The goal is to determine if this therapy can better support mental health, helping survivors feel more hopeful and engaged in life. Ideal participants are between 15 and 39 years old, have had cancer, are experiencing emotional distress, and speak English fluently. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative mental health solutions for young cancer survivors.

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 therapy for psychological distress, so it's best to discuss your medications with the trial coordinators.

What prior data suggests that Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is safe for adolescent and young adult cancer survivors?

Research has shown that Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) produces positive results for various issues and groups, with no evidence of harm. Studies have found that SFBT effectively reduces depression and stress in breast cancer patients and significantly lowers anxiety in young cancer survivors. Designed to be hopeful and brief, this therapy focuses on the specific needs of young cancer survivors. To date, no reports of harmful effects from SFBT have emerged, making it a well-tolerated option for managing emotional distress. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) for cancer survivors because it offers a fresh approach to emotional support by focusing on solutions rather than problems. Unlike traditional therapies that might delve into the emotional difficulties of living with cancer, SFBT emphasizes building on personal strengths and envisioning a positive future. This therapy is delivered virtually, making it more accessible and convenient for patients who may have mobility issues or live far from treatment centers. Additionally, the brief nature of the therapy—consisting of short, weekly sessions—can make it easier for patients to incorporate into their busy lives, potentially leading to quicker emotional relief and empowerment.

What evidence suggests that Solution-Focused Brief Therapy might be an effective treatment for psychological distress in cancer survivors?

Research has shown that Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), which participants in this trial may receive, can help reduce mental distress, such as depression and stress, in cancer patients. One study found that SFBT significantly reduced cancer-related tiredness in breast cancer survivors. Additionally, SFBT has shown positive results in 86.3% of studies across various situations, with no evidence of harm. Another study demonstrated that SFBT effectively lowered depression and stress in breast cancer patients. These findings suggest that SFBT could be beneficial for young cancer survivors dealing with mental distress. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Anao Zhang

Principal Investigator

University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adolescent and young adult cancer survivors experiencing psychological distress. Participants should be dealing with the long-term impacts of cancer on their lives, such as challenges in education, employment, finances, sexual health, and relationships.

Inclusion Criteria

Experiencing psychological distress (i.e., a t-score >= 57 on the Brief Symptom Inventory - 18 items [BSI-18])

Fluent in English

I am between 15 and 39 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

End-of-life care

Major physical challenges (e.g., hearing loss, developmental delay)

Acute mental health conditions (e.g., active psychosis, suicide risk)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo virtual SFBT sessions or receive eTAU over 4-8 weeks

4-8 weeks

Weekly virtual sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for psychological distress and quality of life improvements post-intervention

8 weeks

Assessments at 4 and 8 weeks post-intervention

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Trial Overview The study tests a virtual solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT-C) against enhanced usual care to see if it better reduces depression and anxiety among these survivors. The SFBT-C is designed specifically for their unique needs.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Supportive Care (SFBT-C) Experimental Treatment 5 Interventions

Patients undergo virtual SFBT sessions over 30 minutes each QW over 4-8 weeks on study. Patients also receive an educational manual and participate in discussions after each session on study.

Group II: Supportive Care (eTAU) Active Control 4 Interventions

Patients receive eTAU and receive an educational book to address emotional challenges associated with cancer and strategies and resources to address these challenges over 4-8 weeks on study. Additionally, patients receive check in calls from clinicians QW to answer any questions patients may have about the book.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

303

Recruited

20,700+

Children's Cancer Research Fund

Collaborator

Children's Cancer Research Fund

Collaborator

Trials

3

Recruited

150+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) is an innovative approach in mental health care that emphasizes discussing desired changes rather than focusing on problems, making it compatible with core nursing values.

The paper provides specific strategies and techniques for implementing SFT in mental health nursing, along with a summary of current research outcomes and future prospects for its application in clinical practice.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mental health nursing from a solution focused perspective. Wand, T.[2010]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6534804/

Effectiveness of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) on ... The result of study that showed SFBT is effective in decreasing depression and perceived stress in patients with breast cancer.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8799227/

Effect of the solution-focused brief therapy on cancer-related ... This study showed that SFBT effectively decreased CRF in breast cancer survivors after surgery under adjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusions. Hence, SFBT ...

3. tandfonline.com tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10503307.2024.2406540

Effectiveness of solution-focused brief therapy: An umbrella ... Results. SFBT demonstrated significant positive outcomes across different issues, settings, and cultural contexts, with no evidence of harm.

4. solutionfocused.net solutionfocused.net/research-in-solution-focused-therapy/

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Global Effectiveness: SFBT was found to be effective in 86.3% of the studies, with positive outcomes in a variety of settings, including ...

5. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06941324

Study Details | NCT06941324 | Solution-Focused Brief ... Undergoing SFBT-C may work better than treatment-as-usual care for the support of psychological distress in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors.

6. deepblue.lib.umich.edu deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/171446/Zhang%202021%20SFBT.pdf

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy for Depression Among ... Additionally, results of this study revealed that SFBT significantly reduced AYA cancer survivors' anxiety, with a statistically significant and large treatment ...