New online therapy aims to ease brain tumor Patients' worst fears
NCT ID NCT06989086
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Sep 10, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study is testing a new virtual therapy program called FearLess, designed to help people with primary malignant brain tumors and their caregivers cope with the intense fear that their cancer might come back. The program involves 8 weekly one-on-one video sessions with a therapist. Researchers want to see if this approach is practical and acceptable to participants, and to fine-tune the study design for a future larger trial. About 112 patients and caregivers will take part.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- FearLess psychological intervention (virtual therapy sessions)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could provide a new, accessible way to help brain tumor patients and their caregivers manage fear and anxiety about cancer returning.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early feasibility study with no control group comparison yet, so it cannot prove the therapy reduces fear. The small size and short follow-up may limit how well the results apply to others.
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 112 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jun 2025
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2028
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: Patients: * Self-report a diagnosis of a primary malignant brain tumor (grade II-IV) * \>2 weeks post-cranial resection or biopsy * Elevated Fear of Recurrence Distress Rating * Primarily English speaking * \>/= 18 years of age at the time of enrollment Caregivers: * nonprofessional caregiver to a patient with a primary malignant brain tumor (grade II-IV) * Elevated Fear of Recurrence Distress Rating * Primarily English speaking * \>/= 18 years of age at the time of enrollment Exclusion Criteria: Patient / Caregiver Exclusion: * Cognitive impairment that might prohibit active intervention engagement * Inability to understand and provide informed consent * Inability to attend virtual sessions due to unstable or no internet connection
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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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Virginia Commonwealth University
RECRUITINGRichmond, Virginia, 23298, United States
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