Can family therapy ease grief after cancer? new study tests it
NCT ID NCT00580515
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether family-focused grief therapy (FFGT) helps families cope when a member has advanced cancer. 700 families were randomly assigned to standard care, 6 therapy sessions, or 10 sessions. The goal was to prevent depression and improve communication during palliative care and after the patient's death. The therapy involves structured sessions over several months.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Family Focused Group Therapy (FFGT)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could provide a simple, non-drug way to help families cope with grief and reduce depression after losing a loved one to cancer.
What could go wrong
This is a completed trial, but results may not apply to all families. The therapy requires time and commitment, and not everyone may benefit equally.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CANCER are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Beth Israel Hospice Program
New York, New York, 10003, United States
-
Calvary Hospital
The Bronx, New York, 10461, United States
-
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
New York, New York, 10065, United States