Talking therapy may offer a path away from opioids for cancer survivors

NCT ID NCT05067556

NEW Terminated Symptom relief Sponsor: Virginia Commonwealth University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 18, 2026 · Last updated Aug 18, 2026

Summary

This pilot trial tests whether Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a type of talking therapy, can help disease-free cancer survivors manage chronic pain and reduce long-term opioid use. Participants attend six weekly virtual sessions with a psychologist. The study focuses on whether the approach is feasible and acceptable, while also looking at changes in pain intensity.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for chronic pain (ACT-CP), a behavioral intervention delivered via virtual sessions
What this could lead to: If successful, this could offer a non-drug way to help cancer survivors manage chronic pain and reduce reliance on opioids.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study focused on feasibility, so it may not show clear pain relief or opioid reduction. Results may not apply to all survivors.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cancer Cancer Pain Chronic Pain chronic pain syndrome Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CANCER PAIN CHRONIC PAIN PAIN SURVIVORSHIP

Contacts and locations

Locations

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, Virginia, 23219, United States

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