Can online therapy ease the mental toll of cancer? mayo clinic investigates
NCT ID NCT06246955
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether virtual group therapy based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and compassion practices can improve psychological well-being in cancer patients. Researchers at Mayo Clinic will enroll 200 adults with cancer who are experiencing stress. Participants attend online group sessions and complete surveys about their distress, flexibility, and quality of life. The goal is to see if this approach helps patients live more fully despite their diagnosis.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Group therapy sessions (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and compassion-based therapy)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could provide a practical, scalable way to help cancer patients feel less distressed and more psychologically flexible.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage behavioral study with no control group, so results may not be definitive or generalizable. Benefits depend on patient engagement.
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
-
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
-
About 200 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Jan 2024
- Expected to finish
-
Dec 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
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
-
18 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
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: * Being an adult (18 years or older) * Being a patient of Mayo Clinic Arizona * Having a cancer diagnosis, having treatment planning in progress, undergoing cancer-related treatment, or having completed cancer within the past 2 years (in recent survivorship * Experiencing stress or challenges related to cancer and having treatment goals that align with the purpose of the group * Having self reported proficiency to read/write/speak English * Expressing interest and commitment to attend all six virtual group sessions Exclusion Criteria: * Patients' inability to take part in and benefit from the virtual group therapy based on clinical judgment of the psychosocial oncology team member who completes the psychosocial evaluation, which may include having active suicidal or homicidal intent, experiencing uncontrolled psychotic symptoms, having untreated personality disorder/characteristics that are likely disturbing in a group setting, and/or having moderate to severe cognitive impairments
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Hematopoietic and lymphoid system neoplasm are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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.
-
The study's own enquiry address
This study publishes an address for enquiries. See it below .
-
The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
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
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Study contacts
-
Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
-
Mayo Clinic in Arizona
RECRUITINGScottsdale, Arizona, 85259, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can a vaccine stop GI cancers from returning?
- Can a phone app help childhood cancer survivors keep track of their health?
- Can the way we word cancer research invitations boost participation?
- A chill pill for Chemo's side effects? cooling therapy and a Blood-Flow drug take on nerve pain
- Wearable tech could spot Post-Surgery problems early
- Can an AI chatbot ease the aftermath of cancer?