Can a short therapy program help young couples face cancer together?
NCT ID NCT06172907
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tests a brief psychotherapy program for young adults (ages 25-39) with cancer and their caregiving partners. The therapy uses cognitive-behavioral and couples therapy techniques to improve coping and maintain the relationship. The study will enroll 20 couples to see if the program is feasible and acceptable.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Young Adults Coping with Cancer Together Intervention (behavioral therapy)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could provide a practical, short-term therapy to help young couples manage cancer-related stress and strengthen their relationship.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small pilot study (20 participants) focused on feasibility, not effectiveness. It may not show clear benefits or apply to all couples.
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 20 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Apr 2024
- Expected to finish
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Dec 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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25 to 39 years
- 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.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Either: (1) Currently receiving active cancer treatment (n=5) or are within two years of completing active treatment (n=5) at Massachusetts General Cancer Center (MGHCC), located in Boston, Massachusetts, United States, OR (2) are the partner of an individual between the ages of 25-39 who is currently receiving treatment at MGHCC (n=5) or who has completed cancer treatment at MGHCC within the past two years (n=5) * Either: (1) Indicates a score ≥4 on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) adapted distress thermometer study screening questions, OR (2) are the partner of a participant indicating a score ≥4 on the NCCN adapted distress thermometer study screening questions * English-speaking Exclusion Criteria: • Uncontrolled psychosis, active suicidal ideation, or cognitive impairment
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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
4 sites. 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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Emerson Hospital/MGH Cancer Center
RECRUITINGConcord, Massachusetts, 01742, United States
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Mass General at Newton Wellesley Hospital
RECRUITINGNewton, Massachusetts, 02462, United States
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Mass General at North Shore Cancer Center
RECRUITINGDanvers, Massachusetts, 01923, United States
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Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
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