Clinical Research Directory

Stress Reduction Through Acupuncture

This randomized controlled trial evaluates whether eight weeks of weekly acupuncture can reduce psychological distress in breast cancer patients who have recently completed primary therapy compared to standard-of-care wait-list control.

Remote Exercise Video Adaptations to Maximize Physical Activity in Childhood Cancer

The goal of this observational study is to leverage childhood cancer survivor input to adapt video content of a digital video disc-(DVD) delivered evidence-based PA intervention, originally designed for community-dwelling older adults. Primary Objective: \- To leverage childhood cancer survivor input to adapt video content for an evidence-based remote exercise intervention.

A Study of Brief Behavioral Activation for the Treatment of Depression in Older Adult Cancer Survivors

The purpose of this study is to find out if a psychotherapy method called behavioral activation (BA) can be successfully delivered by telephone or videoconference (remotely) and can effectively treat depression in Older Adult Cancer Survivors (OACS)

Study of a Support Program for Quality of Life in Chinese Cancer Patients and Survivors

The purpose of this study is to evaluate different combinations of cancer education sessions, counseling sessions, and peer support meetings developed for Chinese cancer patients and survivors. The researchers will look at whether the combinations are practical and effective, and how they impact participants' quality of life.

Patient-Reported Outcome Version of the Common Criteria for Adverse Events

Childhood cancer survivors are vulnerable to treatment-related late effects, including physical and psychosocial morbidities, subsequent malignancies, and premature death. Symptom assessment provides a unique insight into survivorship care since symptoms not only indicate the manifestation for the occurrence of chronic health conditions, but also impact quality of life and survival. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has developed a Patient-Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE) to assess symptomatic adverse events (AEs) for adult-onset cancer patients who are receiving cancer therapies. However, content-appropriate and clinically validated symptom assessment tools for adult survivors of childhood cancer are not available. Primary Object 1: Establish content validity for the PRO-CTCAE-SCC Primary Objective 1A: Conduct a symptom selection process through qualitative research to identify symptomatic AEs for adult survivors of childhood cancer Primary Objective 1B: Create symptomatic AE items for adult survivors of childhood cancer based on the prevalence and clinical importance ratings on the items Primary Objective 2: Validate the PRO-CTCAE-SCC using psychometric methods and objective clinical parameters Primary Objective 2A: Test dimensionality for the PRO-CTCAE-SCC Primary Objective 2B: Test clinical validity for the PRO-CTCAE-SCC Primary Objective 2C: Test responsiveness to change for the PRO-CTCAE-SCC Secondary Objective 1: Increase clinical usefulness of the PRO-CTCAE-SCC Secondary Objective 2: Establish meaningful cut-points and minimally important differences (MIDs) on symptom burden scores for clinical decision-making

REpeated ASSEssment of SurvivorS in Intracerebral Hemorrhage Study

The investigators propose to perform serial detailed cognitive, motor, behavioral, and blood collection follow-up using longitudinal structured telephone interviews of an anticipated 350 ICH survivors enrolled in Minimally Invasive Surgery Plus Alteplase for Intracerebral Hemorrhage Evacuation (MISTIE) III and ENRICH trials to identify specific cognitive and motor impairment and to perform RNA sequencing to evaluate for evidence of chronic inflammation. The investigators' expected sample size in 2022 accounts for mortality attrition of 10%/year.

BfedBwell Optimization Pilot

Using the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) framework, an engineering-based approach to efficiently and systematically develop, optimize, and evaluate behavioral interventions, this study will test three components: (1) 1:1 counseling with a registered dietitian, (2) behavioral skills development, and (3) group support for delivery alongside a core nutrition curriculum within a clinical exercise oncology program.

The SNAP Tool for Head and Neck Cancer Survivor-Caregiver Dyads

In this randomized behavioral intervention, head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors and their caregivers (N=176 HNC survivor-caregiver dyads) will be randomized to either Survivorship Needs Assessment Planning (SNAP) or Usual Care (UC) groups to examine the effects of SNAP on outcomes. SNAP includes two sessions with a needs assessment and tailored care plan and a supportive mobile app after completion of radiation to promote uptake of recommended medical and supportive care. The study aims to evaluate the effects of SNAP on symptom severity in patients and caregiver burden in caregivers. Secondary outcomes include psychological distress (anxiety and depression), healthcare utilization (receipt of recommended care) and unmet needs and self-efficacy in HNC survivor-caregiver dyads. Participants will complete surveys at baseline, 6 months, and 9 months post randomization with validated PROMs, and receive intervention modules at the end of radiation and month 3. Participants in the SNAP group will also receive mobile app support.

LiveWell: An Adapted Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Skills Training Protocol for Patients Living With Metastatic Lung Cancer

In this pilot randomized controlled trial, patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and at least mild distress (N=80) will be randomized to receive LiveWell, an adapted Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Skills Training protocol) or Usual Care. The investigators will evaluate feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of LiveWell to reduce distress (primary outcome) and improve psychological well-being, symptom burden, and quality of life (secondary outcomes). The investigators will explore emotion regulation as a potential mechanism of change.

LiveWell mBc: Adapted Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Skills Training

In this pilot randomized controlled trial, women with metastatic breast cancer and at least mild distress (N=48) will be randomized to receive LiveWell mBC, a group-based adapted Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Skills Training protocol, or Usual Care. The investigators will evaluate feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of LiveWell to reduce distress (primary outcome) and improve psychological well-being, symptom burden, and quality of life (secondary outcomes).

From Exercise Oncology Research to Clinical Practice

Building on previous research that shows the benefits of exercise, this study aims to find out how best to implement exercise in real-world settings. The study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of an embedding an automated referral tool and an exercise professional into standard cancer care impacts clinician referral and patient uptake of exercise programming. The study will assess how effective the exercise program is at improving patients' physical health, quality of life, symptom management, and overall wellbeing during different stages of their cancer journey (e.g., before treatment, on treatment, after treatment).

Take the Reins: The Effects of Nutrient Timing on Cancer-related Fatigue

Cancer-related fatigue affects at least 30-90% of patients with cancer, depending on the type of cancer and their treatment(s) (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation). It is not relieved by sleep or rest, and it sometimes can persist for years after a person's cancer was treated. The fatigue can be so bad that people cannot return to work, hobbies, family roles, or other daily activities, thereby greatly reducing quality of life. The causes of this fatigue are unknown, and we currently do not have anything that can reliably prevent or cure the fatigue. However, there are recent data suggesting that circadian rhythm, or a person's internal body clock, may be disrupted by the cancer experience and contribute to fatigue. Food intake is an external cue that can entrain circadian rhythm. We recently showed that cancer survivors are willing and able to eat all their food within a 10-hour eating window-a practice called time-restricted eating. Herein, we are testing time-restricted eating against a control group (matched for time-, attention, and expectancy) to see if time-restricted eating can indeed alleviate cancer-related fatigue. All participants will be asked to use the myCircadianClock smartphone app to log their food intake and weekly body weight measurements. The participants assigned to the time-restricted eating group will be asked to eat all their food in a 10-hour window during the day. People can choose their start time based on their schedule and preferences, but we ask that the window is the same for the whole study (e.g., 7am-5pm,9:30am-7:30pm). Black coffee and unsweetened tea are allowed before the eating window, and water and medicines are allowed at all times. The participants in the control group will meet with a nutritionist to discuss the American Cancer Society nutrition guidelines in cancer survivorship; they will not be restricted to when they can eat. Participants in both groups will give us valuable information regarding how diet is related to the experience of fatigue. The purpose of this study is to test the effects of a 12-week TRE intervention vs. an unrestricted eating pattern on fatigue, the sustainability of the program at 24 weeks, and the effects of TRE on circadian rhythm and sugar metabolism.

Yoga to Improve Disparities in Cancer Survivorship

This clinical trial tests the impact of a racially concordant trainer led yoga program on quality of life and symptom burden in Black and/or African American cancer survivors. Black individuals in the United States are more affected by cancer, despite modern advances. Cancer treatments can impact physical and mental health and overall quality of life and Black individuals report worse physical function and quality of life and less access to culturally appropriate support services. Yoga has been shown to have a positive impact on cancer and cancer treatment related symptoms and quality of life, however, a one size fits all approach has not been shown to be effective in diverse populations. A trainer that shares the same racial or ethnic background as the participant (racially concordant) may have a positive impact on communication, trust, and may improve accessibility and participation. Participating in a yoga program led by a racially concordant trainer may improve quality of life and symptom burden in Black and/or African American cancer survivors.

A Study Comparing Music Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety in Cancer Survivors

The researchers are doing this study to compare how music therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, given virtually, may be able to reduce anxiety in people who have had cancer. In addition, this study will see if certain factors affect how well participants respond to music therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. For example, the researchers will see if personal characteristics (like age, sex, race, and education) and ways of thinking (like expectations of therapy) may affect how well participants respond.

Survival Monitoring in Russian Cancer Registries

This study aims to establish a holistic framework for continuous cancer survival surveillance in Russian regions with high-quality population-based cancer registry data. The data from the population-based cancer registries of the Northwestern regions of Russia will be used to assess net and cause-specific survival trends.

On-Trac: An Online Intervention for Cancer Survivors Managing Anxiety

This study is evaluating On-Trac (Online Training After Cancer), an online educational intervention to teach adult cancer survivors strategies to address anxiety based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) The name of the study intervention is Online Training After Cancer (On-Trac)

Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Cancer-Related Biomarkers, Functional Capacity, Cognitive Status and Quality of Life in Women With Breast Cancer

This study aims to emphasize the exercise-induced changes in some circulating biomarkers (CRP, IGF-1(insulin like growth factor), insulin, leptin, IL-6(interleukin-6) , TNF-α(tumor necrosis factor), adiponectin), quality of life, functional capacity, cognitive functions and after aerobic exercise in women diagnosed with breast cancer in remission period. The women who will participate in the study consist of breast cancer survivors aged 18-65 years. The hypothesis of this study: Exercise program in women diagnosed with breast cancer in remission positively affects the levels of circulating biomarkers CRP, IGF-1, insulin, leptin, IL-6, TNFα and adiponectin, and improves quality of life, functional capacity, and cognitive functions. Participants will be divided into 3 groups. The first group will receive moderate intensity aerobic exercise 3 times a week for 12 weeks. The second group will receive physical activity counseling by a physiotherapist for 12 weeks. The third group will continue their daily routines and no intervention will be performed. The evaluations will be repeated three times for all three groups: at baseline, after six weeks and after twelve weeks.

UNC Childhood, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Cohort

Purpose: This study aims to create a registry of childhood, adolescent, and young adult patients with cancer (\<40 years-old at cancer diagnosis), entitled the 'UNC Childhood, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Cohort' (UNC-CAYACC). This resource will serve to support cancer outcomes research among pediatric and young adult cancer patients with a primary focus on enrolling patients treated as adolescents or young adults (AYAs, 15-39 years). Procedures: As appropriate for age, participants will complete physical and cognitive functional assessments; questionnaires to assess health-related quality of life and other patient-reported outcomes; will undergo body composition and anthropometric measurements; and will be asked to provide biospecimens for biobanking. Assessments will be collected (as possible) at diagnosis, during active treatment, following treatment completion, and annually in survivorship to assess outcomes throughout the treatment and survivorship trajectory. Sociodemographic and clinical information such as cancer treatment modalities and cumulative doses will be collected by medical record abstraction. Participants will be eligible to enroll at any time from diagnosis through survivorship. This registry will provide data to better understand the manifestations of accelerated aging and key contributing factors among children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer.

Development and Evaluation of a Screening Approach for Sexual Dysfunction in AYA Patients With and Surviving Childhood Cancer

Prior research determined adolescent and young adult-aged childhood cancer survivor (AYA-CCS) and medical provider acceptability of the SexFS Brief in a controlled research setting. Development of an acceptable, effective, and feasible screening approach will result in improved recognition of SD in AYA patients with and surviving childhood cancer.

PI-targeted PNE+MI Compared to BIOMEDICAL Education in BCS

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. An important portion of the breast cancer survivors will face chronic pain complaints. These pain complaints do not only impact the patient's quality of life but also prevents resumption of activities, leading to huge economic costs. 30% of all breast cancer survivors with pain present with perceived injustice which has been conceptualized as a multidimensional appraisal process characterized by a tendency to interpret one's losses as severe and irreparable, to attribute blame to others for one's suffering and to experience a sense of unfairness. Perceived injustice is also associated with increased opioid prescription and use, urging the need for targeted interventions to diminish perceived injustice. Despite the fact that specific treatment plans for perceived injustice are not yet proven, pain neuroscience education (PNE) is proven to reassure and encourage towards activity. In order to obtain the targeted behavioural change, motivational interviewing (MI) is used as the communication process throughout PNE. A multi-centre, parallel, two-arm, investigator-blinded study with 4-weeks intervention and two years follow-up will be conducted in 156 BCS with PI and pain. These will be randomly assigned to the intervention or usual care group. The groups will receive 1 online session, an information leaflet and 3 live sessions of education spread over 4 weeks. Pain neuroscience education in combination with motivational interviewing will be given in the experimental group and biomedically-focused education to the control group. The primary scientific objective of the study is to examine whether perceived injustice-targeted PNE is superior to biomedically-focused pain education in reducing pain after 12 months in breast cancer survivors with perceived injustice and pain. The secondary objectives of the study are to examine whether perceived injustice-targeted PNE, compared to biomedically-focused pain education, results in improving health-related quality of life, reducing perceived injustice and opioid use after 24 months in breast cancer survivors with perceived injustice and pain, and to conduct a health-care cost analysis which will finally result in a recommendation concerning the use of perceived injustice-targeted PNE in breast cancer survivors with perceived injustice and pain.

RESPONSE: Colorectal Cancer Survivors' Follow-up Care - Now Digital and Need-based

Over the last decades, the 3-year recurrence rates for patients with stage I and II colorectal cancer have decreased to just 5% and 12%. The follow-up program offered to stage I and low-risk stage II patients has not changed accordingly and is still focused solely on recurrence detection. Moreover, it is a one-size-fits-all program, i.e. most of the follow-up resources are spent on non-recurrence patients who do not benefit. Up to 50% of cancer survivors suffer from reduced quality of life related to fear of cancer recurrence, treatment-related psychological distress, and/or severe late adverse effects of a biopsychosocial and/or organ-specific origin. Today many of these symptoms can be treated effectively. However, no systematic program aimed at monitoring and addressing the symptoms has been implemented yet. The current project is testing a newly developed, digitally managed, patient-centered follow-up program that focuses on individual patient needs, including fear of cancer recurrence, psychological well-being, management of late adverse effects, and recurrence surveillance. This new program will be compared to the current standard of care in a national network of 11 colorectal cancer surgical centers in four of five Danish regions. Patients in the intervention group will receive the following: 1. Risk-stratified circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) guided recurrence surveillance. 2. Late adverse effects monitoring with electronic patient-reported outcome measures, which are validated questionnaires that can identify and qualify late adverse effects. 3. Systematic treatment for organ-specific and/or biopsychosocial late adverse effects. 4. A digital care guide, to support the patient trajectory through the follow-up program, as a smartphone app. Patients in the standard group will receive standard-of-care follow-up. The primary study endpoint will be the difference in health-related quality of life between the intervention and standard group. Secondary outcomes include e.g., comparison of health-related costs, differences in fear of cancer recurrence, recurrence-free survival, and patient satisfaction. The investigators expect the new follow-up program to be better than the standard-of-care program in terms of the primary endpoint - quality of life - without compromising recurrence detection, and without increasing costs.

Human-centered Injury Thrivorship Pathway for Survivors of Physical Trauma

The goal of this clinical trial is to pilot and evaluate a human-centered injury thrivorship pathway in injury survivors. The main question it aims to answer is: • Is the pathway appropriate, acceptable, and feasible to meet the medical and social needs of injury survivors? Injury survivors will be purposively sampled to enroll in the pathway and asked to participate in in-depth interviews and their use of pathway resources will be tracked.

Linking In With Advice and Supports for Men Impacted by Metastatic Cancer

To evaluate the feasibility of introducing a men's cancer survivorship programme into routine follow up care in patients with advanced genitourinary malignancies.

NOURISH-T+: Promoting Healthy Eating and Exercise Behaviors

Pediatric cancer survivors are at an increased risk of excessive weight gain and reduced exercise behaviors with the potential for this risk to worsen over time. With over 80% of pediatric cancer patients living to adulthood, many pediatric cancer survivors experience long-term health consequences such as heart disease - the leading cause of death in this population. The purpose of this clinical research study is to teach parents/caregivers skills that will help prevent and reduce the problems of obesity in childhood cancer survivors. In this study, parents have the opportunity to participate in one of two web-based groups in which parents in either group will learn valuable information to improve the health of their child and of themselves.