Poetry therapy aims to bring purpose to LGBTQ+ cancer patients at end of life

NCT ID NCT06293456

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests a type of talk therapy called dignity therapy, adapted for sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ+) cancer patients. A trained researcher will interview participants about their lives and create a poem or legacy document they can share with loved ones. The goal is to see if this approach is practical and helps patients feel a greater sense of meaning and purpose. The trial involves 15 adults from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: dignity therapy (a type of psychotherapy)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a meaningful way for LGBTQ+ cancer patients to share their life stories and feel a greater sense of purpose near the end of life.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early-stage trial with only 15 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The therapy is also delivered virtually, which may not suit all patients.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cancer Death

As listed by the trial registrant

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

END OF LIFE

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Memorial Sloan Kettering Basking Ridge (Consent only)

Basking Ridge, New Jersey, 07920, United States
Memorial Sloan Kettering Bergen (Consent Only)

Montvale, New Jersey, 07645, United States
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

New York, New York, 10065, United States
Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth (Consent Only)

Middletown, New Jersey, 07748, United States
Memorial Sloan Kettering Nassau (Consent Only)

Uniondale, New York, 11553, United States
Memorial Sloan Kettering Suffolk- Commack (Consent Only)

Commack, New York, 11725, United States
Memorial Sloan Kettering Westchester (Consent only)

Harrison, New York, 10604, United States

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