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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Cancer Pain Survivorship

N/A
Waitlist Available
Led By Susan Hong, MD, MPH
Research Sponsored by Virginia Commonwealth University
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Completed active therapy must have been curative in intent (for example stage IV cancer patients such as head and neck cancer patients treated with curative intent are eligible).
Self-reported cancer pain for >= 3 months
Must not have
Anyone diagnosed with cancer recurrence or new cancer during their study period
Anyone found to have progression of cancer
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up 12 months
Awards & highlights

Summary

This trial is testing a short therapy program called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for chronic pain (ACT-CP) in cancer survivors who no longer have the disease but still suffer from chronic pain. The goal is to help these patients manage their pain without becoming dependent on opioids. The therapy teaches them to accept their pain and focus on living a meaningful life. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating chronic pain by enhancing psychological flexibility.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for cancer survivors who are disease-free, have finished their primary therapy but still use opioids for pain. They must be part of the VCUHealth system and have had cancer-related pain for at least 3 months post-treatment. Those with a history of substance abuse or current psychotherapy for certain mental health issues cannot join.
What is being tested?
The study tests Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT-CP) to help long-term cancer survivors manage chronic pain without relying on opioids. It's a pilot trial to see if this behavioral intervention can reduce opioid dependence in patients who've completed curative treatment.
What are the potential side effects?
Since ACT-CP is a form of therapy rather than medication, it may not have typical drug side effects. However, participants might experience emotional discomfort as they explore new ways to cope with chronic pain during the sessions.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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My previous cancer treatment was intended to cure me.
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I have been experiencing cancer pain for 3 months or more.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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My cancer has come back or I have a new cancer during the study.
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My cancer has gotten worse over time.
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I do not have cognitive issues that would stop me from engaging in treatment.
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I cannot communicate in English.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~12 months
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 12 months for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Participant Satisfaction
Recruitment yield number of participants enrolled
Recruitment yield of participants consented
+2 more
Secondary study objectives
Opioid Refill Frequency
Opioid Use Frequency
Pain Intensity
+1 more

Trial Design

1Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: InterventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain (ACT-CP)

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.
Mechanism Of Action
Side Effect Profile
Prior Approvals
Other Research
Behavioral interventions for cancer pain, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), work by altering pain perception and improving coping strategies. CBT helps patients reframe negative thoughts and develop problem-solving skills, which can reduce the emotional impact of pain. MBSR focuses on increasing awareness and acceptance of pain through meditation and mindfulness practices, which can decrease stress and improve pain tolerance. These approaches are crucial for cancer pain patients as they address both the physical and psychological aspects of pain, leading to improved overall well-being and potentially reducing the need for pharmacologic treatments.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Virginia Commonwealth UniversityLead Sponsor
710 Previous Clinical Trials
22,886,919 Total Patients Enrolled
Susan Hong, MD, MPHPrincipal InvestigatorVirginia Commonwealth University

Media Library

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for chronic pain (ACT-CP) Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT05067556 — N/A
Cancer-Associated Pain Research Study Groups: Intervention
Cancer-Associated Pain Clinical Trial 2023: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for chronic pain (ACT-CP) Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT05067556 — N/A
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for chronic pain (ACT-CP) 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT05067556 — N/A
~10 spots leftby Mar 2028