Can a smartphone app lift depression in cancer survivors?
NCT ID NCT06930729
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 15, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study compares two ways to treat depression in cancer survivors: a mobile app called Moodivate that tracks activities and mood, and 8 sessions of telehealth therapy with a mental health provider. About 45 adults who have had cancer and currently feel depressed will take part. The goal is to see if a stepped-care approach—starting with the app and adding therapy if needed—is practical and helpful for improving emotional well-being.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Behavioral Activation Therapy (via Moodivate app or telehealth)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could provide flexible, accessible depression care options tailored to cancer survivors.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small feasibility study, so results may not apply broadly. Risks include frustration, worsening distress, or data privacy concerns.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 45 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Aug 2025
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * age 18+ * cancer survivor * current elevated depressive symptoms defined per ASCO as a PHQ-9 score ≥ 8 * not currently receiving psychosocial depression treatment * have the ability to complete treatment via telehealth and use Moodivate * have a valid e-mail address or text message access (for assessments) * English fluency Exclusion Criteria: \- Current suicidal ideation at final eligibility screening (PHQ-9 item 9 ≥1)
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Medical University of South Carolina
RECRUITINGCharleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States
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