Clinical Research Directory

Fighting the Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study on the Effectiveness of Metacognitive Therapy

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of metacognitive therapy (MCT) in reducing fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) among cancer survivors. With advances in cancer treatment, more patients are surviving cancer. However, many survivors continue to experience fear of cancer recurrence, which can affect their emotional well-being, quality of life, and ability to return to normal daily activities. In this study, participants will receive a structured psychological intervention adapted from the ConquerFear program. This program has been modified to better fit local cultural needs. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either metacognitive therapy or relaxation therapy. The study will compare the effects of these interventions on reducing fear of cancer recurrence, as well as their impact on emotional distress and quality of life. The results of this study may help develop effective psychological treatments to support cancer survivors in managing fear of recurrence and improving overall well-being.

In-Bedroom Renewed Air as Anti-inflammatory Adjuvant Therapy in Cancer Survivors

The BREATHS trial aims to investigate whether overnight in-bedroom air filtration reduces inflammation and cardiac biomarkers in adult survivors of cancer who are at high risk for cardiovascular complications. The study consists of individualized experiments (N-of-1 trials) conducted in the home settings of adults residing in densely populated urban areas with the most severe air quality levels in Valencia, Spain, where fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide levels exceed the limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and EU Directive. Participants will be exposed to 3 treatment sets (blinded phase), each consisting of a 14-day period of filtered air using a portable air filtration unit ("true-HyperHepa) and a 14-day period of unfiltered air (using the same portable unit with "sham filters"). The intervention will be administered nightly for a minimum of 7 consecutive hours and will last between 4 and 12 weeks for each participant, contingent upon the demonstration of clinical benefit, defined by a reduction in the levels of the blood biomarker C-reactive protein. An unblinded phase will be implemented for participants who do not experience a clinically meaningful change in CRP. During this phase, they will undergo a 14-day period without treatment, followed by 14-day period of both nightly and daily filtered air therapy. The primary endpoint of this study is defined as the change in blood concentrations of CRP. The secondary endpoints include the changes in levels of three other noninvasive blood biomarkers associated with inflammation and cardiovascular health, and blood pressure. Both indoor and outdoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure concentrations will be continuously monitored in the study.

SMLI With Hispanic Cancer Survivors and Caregivers

Fewer than 20% of Hispanic cancer survivors meet the American Cancer Society's (ACS) Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity. Diagnosed at younger ages, later stages and with fewer resources (e.g., access to care), Hispanic cancer survivors are more likely to suffer from many symptoms, which linger long after they have completed treatment and may prevent them from leading a healthy life. Healthier lifestyle behaviors (such as diet and physical activity) would result in an immediate benefit of reduced symptoms and long-term benefit of improved health while lowering cancer risk. This randomized controlled trial tests an intervention that will help in lessening survivors' symptoms to improve adherence to the ACS guidelines for cancer prevention ultimately improving overall health.

Hispanic Adapted and Culturally Relevant Exercising Together

The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility and effects of an adapted Exercising Together, a partnered resistance training program, on the physical and mental health of prostate cancer survivors and their informal caregiver. The Exercising Together program is designed to promote teamwork during supervised group exercise classes delivered remotely through videoconferencing software. The intervention period will be 3-months with a 3-month follow-up.

Plyometric Strength-Endurance Exercise in Breast Cancer

This study aims to compare an adapted plyometric strength-endurance exercise program with conventional strength training in women who are breast cancer survivors or currently undergoing treatment and who participate in provincial support associations. The goal is to determine whether a targeted plyometric intervention can provide additional benefits in physical and mental health outcomes. Using a cluster-randomized clinical trial design, the study will assess indicators such as functional capacity, muscle strength, fatigue levels, symptoms related to lymphedema, and overall quality of life. The findings are expected to contribute to a better understanding of how structured exercise programs can support recovery, physical function, and well-being in women affected by breast cancer.

Assessment of Sleep Quality in Patients Treated for Cancer Between 15 and 24 Years of Age

Medical professionals now take into account the specificities of the care and support of Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs). Cancer aftermaths in patients diagnosed during the AYA period are also known: the consequences of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments on a growing organism, the difficulty of some follow-ups, the longevity, and the delayed occurrence of certain complications. In the general population, sleep disorders affect 40% of adolescents. About 30% of pediatric cancer survivors experience fatigue they attribute to their cancer, even years after the end of their treatment. The sleep quality of patients treated for cancer when they were AYAs, and the eventual care of sleeping disorders, are poorly studied. The investigators suppose that the oncologic treatment during this particular life stage, when sleeping disorders are already present and multifactorial, could have long-term impacts on sleep. The investigators offer to evaluate, through a questionnaire filled out by patients treated for cancer in the AYA period, the frequency of moderate to severe insomnia.

Improving Sleep, Fatigue, Activity & Quality of Life in Cancer Survivors Via a Transdiagnostic Intervention

Poor sleep affects over half of U.S. cancer survivors, contributing to daytime fatigue, reduced physical activity, and diminished quality of life. Traditional sleep treatments often target diagnosed disorders, leaving many survivors with subclinical sleep issues underserved. Sleep health-a broader concept encompassing sleep regularity, satisfaction, alertness, timing, efficiency, and duration (RU-SATED)-offers a more inclusive framework for intervention. The TSHI is a modular, skills-based program designed to improve these dimensions of sleep health. Delivered via six weekly one-on-one Zoom sessions, TSHI emphasizes behavioral strategies like sleep hygiene, relaxation, and energy management. This six-week, single-group quasi-experimental pilot study will enroll 10 cancer survivors to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of TSHI. Researchers will evaluate changes in sleep health, fatigue, physical activity, and quality of life using surveys, interviews, and ActiGraph data. By targeting sleep as a modifiable health behavior, this study aims to lay the groundwork for scalable interventions that enhance recovery and well-being in cancer survivors.

Evaluating Laser Photobiomodulation for the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain in Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Cancer Patients

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) (including taxanes, platinum, al pervenche from Madagascar alkaloids...), is a frequent secondary effect of treatments: 68% at 1-month post-chemotherapy, 60% at 3 months and 30% after 6 months. Symptoms associated with CIPN are usually symmetric and bilateral (typical distribution in "gloves and socks") inducing sensory alterations, paresthesias, dysesthesias, numbness and pain. Neuropathic Pain (NP) is an important characteristic of CIPN, affects 25-80% of patients with CIPN, and reduces quality of life (e.g., concomitant psychological distress, risks of falls, risks of neurocognitive impairments, and sleep disorders). In severe cases, it is even necessary to delay and/or reduce the dose of chemotherapy. The benefit of drug interventions on NP remains limited. To date, there are no proven preventive strategies and few evidence-based treatment options for CIPN. Also, the use of complementary or non-pharmacological interventions are common, including photobiomodulation (PBM). PBM is the therapeutic use of non-ionizing laser light for its anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects. Its use is currently recommended only for the prevention of oral mucositis related to cancer treatments. Recent preliminary clinical evidence suggests that PBM may be beneficial to established CIPN, with safety and improvement beyond the intervention. However, to date, clinical trials are rare, have methodological weaknesses, and/or focus on global CIPN. The overall objectives of the study are therefore to assess the effectiveness, feasibility and safety of the PBM for treating NP in the CIPN.

A Study on the Efficacy of the Metaverse Lifestyle Health Education Model Based on the Transtheoretical Model for Improving Quality of Life and Modifying Lifestyle in Colorectal Cancer Survivors

Colorectal cancer is a globally prevalent malignant tumor. Postoperative patients often face physical discomfort, psychological stress, and lack of healthy lifestyles. However, traditional health education models have limitations such as insufficient targeting and poor interactivity, making it difficult to meet their needs for full-cycle health management. This study is a multicenter randomized controlled trial, which plans to enroll 174 patients aged 18 years and above who have undergone radical resection for colorectal cancer, and randomly divide them into an experimental group and a control group at a ratio of 1:1. The experimental group will receive Transtheoretical Model (TTM)-based metaverse lifestyle health education (including phased course learning, metaverse immersive interaction, and WeChat group check-in supervision) with an intervention cycle of 1 months and follow-up until 3 months after the intervention; the control group will only receive routine paper-based education and outpatient follow-up. The study aims to verify the improvement effect of this metaverse intervention model on the quality of life and healthy lifestyle of colorectal cancer survivors, and explore its role in improving patients' self-efficacy, so as to provide empirical evidence for optimizing long-term health management programs for cancer survivors.

Targeted Telerehabilitation Following Curative Intent Therapy of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the second-most commonly diagnosed cancer among U.S. Veterans. Substantial advances have been made in early detection through screening and treatment. The longevity of Veterans following lung cancer diagnosis and treatment has increased. Following treatment however, many Veterans experience increased symptom burden, particularly in shortness of breath, fatigue, and fear/anxiety about lung cancer, and impairments in physical and psychosocial functioning. Rehabilitation services are needed to address these survivorship challenges. This study will evaluate multi-targeted telerehabilitation with Veterans following lung cancer treatment, with goals to reduce symptom burden, improve physical and psychosocial function, and enhance health-related quality of life. This research will also develop the career of a physician researcher to acquire expertise in rehabilitation for many Veteran survivors of lung and other cancers.

A Study to Evaluate the Effects of the Combination of GI-102 With GIB-7 on Biomarkers of Aging in Healthy Adults and Cancer Survivors

This Phase 2a clinical study (GIANTS-1) aims to evaluate a novel dual-combination strategy using GI-102 and GIB-7 to address key pathological features of aging, including immunosenescence (the aging of the immune system), metabolic dysfunction, and gut-brain-muscle axis dysregulation.

Telehealth Weight Loss Program for Breast Cancer Survivors

This is a single-arm longitudinal group to examine patient-reported outcomes, body mass and mammographic density changes pre- and post- weight loss intervention of breast cancer survivors using video conferencing telehealth visits.

Inspiratory Muscle Training in Obese Breast Cancer Survivors

The investigators propose a randomized controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of inspiratory muscle training in improving exercise tolerance among stage 0-III obese breast cancer survivors.

The Effect of Acceptance and Commitment Approach-Based Psychoeducation in Cancer Survivors

The study is planned to be conducted in a randomised controlled experimental design in accordance with CONSORT. The study is planned to be conducted between September 2025 and December 2026 at X Hospital with individuals who have completed cancer treatment. The randomisation list will be concealed from the participants, and each participant will be informed of which group they have been assigned to after being included in the study. The 'Stratified Randomisation' method will be used to determine which group participants will be assigned to, and participants will be included in the study based on their scores on the HAD scale. They will then be divided into experimental and control groups. To prevent study bias, the assignment of intervention and control groups will be conducted by an expert who has not participated in the study, with the aim of keeping the randomisation information confidential. The experimental group will consist of a total of 16 participants and will receive individual psychoeducation in an internet-based environment for 6 weeks, with each session lasting 30 minutes. No intervention will be made to the control group during the application period, and they will be placed on a waiting list. Participants who complete the psychoeducation will undergo follow-up measurements via an internet-based platform one month, six months, and one year after the psychoeducation, and their scores will be compared with those of the control group. The sample criteria include: having completed cancer treatment, having completed treatment for breast, gynaecological, colon or rectal cancer, having internet access, and being at risk for depression or anxiety in one or both of these sub-dimensions according to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale. Exclusion criteria include receiving another psychosocial intervention, using psychiatric medication other than antidepressants, being in an advanced stage of cancer, having metastatic cancer, having recurrent cancer, and having started antidepressants in the last three months. Participants will be asked to complete a demographic information form. In addition, anxiety and depression levels will be measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale. Psychological flexibility will be measured using the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, mindfulness will be measured using the Mindfull Attention Awareness Scale, and the level of valuing will be measured using the Valuing Questionnaire. Validity and reliability studies have been conducted for the scales. Ethical committee approval has been obtained. Institutional approval has been obtained from the hospital where the study is being conducted.

EMDR Treatment of Conditioned Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Survivors

To explore the effectiveness of EMDR therapy treatment in reducing symptoms of chemotherapy-induced conditioned nausea and vomiting in (former) patients with cancer.

Exercise Training and NR Supplementation Trial to Improve Fitness in AYA HCT Survivors

This will be a randomized, placebo-controlled trial with a 2x2 factorial design testing the effects of an NAD+ precursor (NR) and exercise on skeletal muscle quality and VO2max in AYA HCT survivors. The primary outcome is the change in muscle strength (isometric knee extension) from baseline to 16 weeks. Key secondary outcomes are the change in muscle strength (ankle plantarflexion) from baseline to 16 weeks, the change in grip strength from baseline to 16 weeks, the change in lower extremity muscle mass from baseline to 16 weeks, the change in muscle OXPHOS capacity from baseline to 16 weeks, and the change in aerobic capacity (VO2 max) from baseline to 16 weeks.

Internet-Delivered Psychological Treatment for Cancer Survivors

Negative psychological effects of cancer are common, but cancer survivors are rarely offered structured psychological treatment. Internet-delivered treatments have shown some promise, but specific treatment components have not been empirically evaluated which means that it is not clear which therapies that should be prioritized. In this randomized factorial trial at Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, 400 cancer survivors with psychiatric symptoms are enrolled in variations on a 10-week therapist-guided online psychological treatment intended to address the negative psychological long-term effects of cancer. The aim is to determine the contribution of treatment components to the overall effect.

C.A.P.A.B.L.E. (CrossFit® and Physical Activity: A Better Life Experience)

This study will introduce cancer survivors to cross-training with the expectation that the program proposed will ultimately result in superior improvements in functional performance, body composition and quality of life compared with the current American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines for cancer survivors.

Cancer-related Fatigue and Symptom Clusters - Effects of Virtual, Imagined and Real-life Nature-based Therapy in Cancer Survivors

This is a randomized, controlled, bicenter trial comparing the effects on symptoms and quality of life in cancer survivors. Three nature-based therapies will be compared with a wait-list group. The therapies are: virtual reality simulated forest, guided imaging and classic forest bathing. Each intervention lasts 30 minutes and takes place once a week for 8 weeks. All interventions involve different stimulus types: visual, olfactory, auditory and tactile.

Perspectives of Italian Employers Regarding the Return to Work Process of Employees Who Received a Cancer Diagnosis: a Qualitative Study

European Cancer Mission calls attention to the return to work (RTW) of cancer survivors (CSs), as one of the pivotal issues of the cancer continuum that need to be addressed through proper and prompt actions and recommendations. Employers are important stakeholders, as they can provide emotional and practical support, sustain communication during the entire process, and guarantee a gradual work reintegration. In Italy there is lack of knowledge regarding this topic. Thus, further exploration of Italian employers' perspectives on the RTW of employees with cancer should be performed to comprehend their unknown experiences. The aim is to explore the perspectives of employers who dealt with the RTW process of employees who received a cancer diagnosis through a qualitative research design.

Effects of Personalized Exercise Prescriptions Through Mobile Health on Physical Activity and Health Outcomes in the Cancer Survivors

Participation in regular physical activity is vital to a healthy lifestyle. Research has shown that regular participation in physical activity among cancer survivors is not only able to improve health outcomes, but is also related to their quality of life. As we live in an age of technology, health wearables and smartphone apps might be one novel manner by which to help cancer survivors increase physical activity as well as improve health outcomes. Yet, the effectiveness of wearable and app as a tool for health promotion among cancer survivors is largely unstudied. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a personalized m-health intervention via fitness wearable (Fitbit Inspire 3) exercise app (sFitRx) on physical activity, weight, quality of life, individual beliefs, and emotions among cancer survivors.

Addressing Social Determinants of Health Among Metro Detroit Cancer Survivors

The goal of this screening study is to determine the feasibility of completing a social needs screening tool in participants who have a past or current cancer diagnosis and reside in Metro Detroit, Michigan. Main questions to answer are: * Can we have a completion rate of at least 80% of participants filling out the screening tool? * Can we determine procedures for patient referrals based on social needs * Can we implement brief interventions based on food access and digital inclusion (ensuring everyone has access to the digital technologies they need to participate in society)

Virtual Exercise Training and Its Impact on Bone Compartments in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer

Childhood cancer is a rare disease but a significant cause of death in children and adolescents. The incidence of childhood cancer is 1case per 300 cases of adult cancer, but surviving to it has important sequels. Endocrine dysfunction represents one of the most common issues in paediatric cancer survivors and impairs bone mineral density later in life. Some forms of exercise have been recommended to preserve bone health in healthy adults; however, its effect has not been properly studied yet in adult survivors of paediatric cancer using cutting-edge technologies, such as peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). As general aim, the 3D-BONE study will assess for the first time the effect of a live and online exercise programme on bone parameters and bone metabolism in adult survivors of paediatric cancer. This multicenter randomized controlled trial will be performed in three Andalusian provinces (Granada, Cordoba and Almeria). A minimum of 116 adult survivors of paediatric cancer aged 18 to 55 years will be recruited following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. They will be randomized (based on sex and age) into an INTERVENTION (n=58) or CONTROL group (n=58). The intervention group will receive a 6-month live and online exercise program based on progressive resistance and impact loading training that will be delivered by qualified professionals using a telehealth mobile app (3D-BONE app). Moreover, behaviour change techniques will be implemented in order to increase motivation and adherence to the program. This group will also receive diet counselling on calcium and vitamin so the difference between the groups is the exercise programme. Participants will be assessed before and after the intervention at the facilities of the Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS) of the University of Granada. An in-depth analysis of bone parameters will be carried out using cutting-edge technologies, such as the pQCT (to analyse cortical and trabecular bone in 3 dimensions), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), hip and lumbar spine geometry outcomes. Moreover, a complete blood count will be obtained and markers of bone metabolism will be measured (B-CTX, PINP), including novel markers such as sclerostin and irisin which have recently been linked to human bone. Data will also be collected in anthropometry and body composition to obtain cardiovascular risk factors, sarcopenia and physiologic frailty risk factors, mental health, health-related quality of life and objective measures of physical activity and fitness. This will ensure obtaining novel, precise and strong data in this population.

Chrono-behavioral Therapy for Chronic Fatigue in Cancer

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a severe and persistent side effect of cancer and its treatment, affecting up to 40% of patients and significantly reducing quality of life. Recent research suggests that circadian rhythm disruption has been implicated as a possible related pathophysiological mechanism underlying CRF. Circadian rhythms are 24-hour cycles regulating physiology and behavior through environmental cues called "zeitgebers." Strengthening these cues-such as light exposure, physical activity, and eating-may help reduce CRF. This project will develop and test the optimal combination a home-based, low-burden chrono-behavioral therapy (ChronoBT) targeting these zeitgebers.