DESCANSO for Cancer

Not yet recruiting at 6 trial locations

Overseen By Victoria Blinder, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Disqualifiers: Cognitive impairment, Hypothyroidism, Sleep apnea, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to improve mental health support for Spanish-speaking Latino individuals with cancer who experience depression, trouble sleeping, and fatigue. It will test a special intervention called DESCANSO, which focuses on enhancing mood, energy, and sleep through online sessions. Suitable participants have a confirmed diagnosis of a solid tumor cancer, are currently receiving or have recently completed treatment, consider Spanish their primary language, and experience fatigue and sleep issues. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to access innovative mental health support tailored to participants' needs.

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 the DESCANSO intervention is safe?

Research has shown that the DESCANSO treatment aims to assist Spanish-speaking Latino individuals with cancer who experience depression, insomnia, and fatigue. Although specific safety data from previous studies on DESCANSO is unavailable, its focus on mental health suggests the use of therapeutic techniques rather than medication, typically resulting in fewer physical side effects.

The trial is in a "Not Applicable" phase, indicating that DESCANSO remains in early testing. Researchers are studying its effectiveness, with a primary focus on ensuring safety. Delivered through telehealth, the treatment is designed for convenience and comfort, often making it safer compared to more invasive treatments. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about DESCANSO because it takes a holistic approach to managing the emotional and physical toll of cancer by targeting depressed mood, fatigue, and sleep issues simultaneously. Unlike traditional treatments that might focus on just one symptom or rely heavily on medications, DESCANSO integrates several supportive care techniques to address multiple symptoms at once. This comprehensive method has the potential to improve overall quality of life for patients, making it a promising option beyond the usual medications and therapies currently available for cancer-related fatigue and mood disorders.

What evidence suggests that the DESCANSO intervention is effective for mental health support in cancer patients?

Research has shown that DESCANSO, which participants in this trial may receive, may help reduce depression, improve sleep, and decrease tiredness in Spanish-speaking Latino participants with cancer. Early results suggest that participants felt better in these areas after using DESCANSO. The program is specially designed to meet the cultural needs of the participants. Although detailed data remains limited, early signs are promising for improving mental health support in this community. Telehealth use also makes it easier for people to access the help they need. ^{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 Spanish-speaking Latino individuals with cancer who are struggling with depression, insomnia, and fatigue. The study aims to help those who might benefit from mental health support through a telehealth intervention.

Inclusion Criteria

Able to read Spanish

Has a clinical case load of ≥ 15 Latino cancer patients and/or survivors per month

Lives in mainland U.S. or Puerto Rico

Exclusion Criteria

Presence of suicidal risk

I have had health issues causing tiredness and bad sleep in the last year.

I am currently pregnant or breastfeeding.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive the DESCANSO intervention for mental health support, focusing on depression, insomnia, and fatigue

8 weeks

Sessions delivered through telehealth

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• DESCANSO/Depresión/Depressed Mood, Cansancio/Fatigue, and Sueño/Sleep

Trial Overview The DESCANSO/REST program targeting Depresión (Depressed Mood), Cansancio (Fatigue), and Sueño (Sleep) issues in cancer patients is being tested. It's delivered via telehealth to see if it can improve mental health symptoms.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Experimental Intervention: DESCANSO Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive DESCANSO (Depresión/Depressed Mood, Cansancio/Fatigue, and Sueño/Sleep; Rest in English)

Group II: Control Intervention: Enhanced Usual Care Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will receive Enhanced Usual Care

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,998

Recruited

602,000+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07225088

DESCANSO, a Mental Health Intervention for Depression ... The purpose of this study is to improve ways of providing mental health support to Spanish-speaking Latino participants who have cancer and ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07225088?rank=7

DESCANSO, a Mental Health Intervention for Depression, ... The purpose of this study is to improve ways of providing mental health support to Spanish-speaking Latino participants who have cancer and experience ...

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-tumors-solid-10-2025-29ec3

DESCANSO for Cancer · Info for Participants The purpose of this study is to improve ways of providing mental health support to Spanish-speaking Latino participants who have cancer and ...

4. clin.larvol.com clin.larvol.com/trial-detail/NCT07225088

DESCANSO, a Mental Health Intervention for Depression ... Feasibility of DESCANSO (Depresión/Depressed Mood, Cansancio/Fatigue, and Sueño/Sleep) defined as completing at least 5 out of the planned 8 DESCANSO sessions.

5. app.trialscreen.org app.trialscreen.org/trials/descanso-mental-health-intervention-depression-insomnia-fatigue-symptoms-trial-nct07225088

A mental health intervention study of DESCANSO in Latino ... Participants may experience reduced depression, improved sleep quality, and decreased fatigue. They will receive culturally appropriate mental ...