NCT07502352 · University of Miami
Remotely-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Stress Management for Breast Cancer (R-CBSM)
What this study is about
The purpose of this research study to find out if a program called Remotely-delivered Cognitive Behavioral Stress Management (R-CBSM) can help women with breast cancer in the period of survivorship after they have completed treatment.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this research study to find out if a program called Remotely-delivered Cognitive Behavioral Stress Management (R-CBSM) can help women with breast cancer in the period of survivorship after they have completed treatment. This is a group stress management program done from home using technology, like Zoom to conduct video calls to conduct group-based training in stress management techniques (e.g., relaxation, cognitive behavioral therapy, coping skills training) in a supportive environment. It is for women aged 50 or older who have finished their main breast cancer treatments (like surgery, radiation, or chemo) and are undergoing hormone treatment. This study is important because many breast cancer survivors still feel stress, even after treatment ends. Teaching stress management may help the body and mind work better and may slow down the effects of aging caused by cancer and stress.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Remotely Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Stress Management Intervention (R-CBSM)
Participants will receive the remotely delivered "telehealth" Cognitive Behavioral Stress Management (CBSM) intervention, consisting of 10 weeks of structured group sessions. The program will include core CBSM components such as cognitive restructuring, relaxation training, coping skills development, and strategies for managing stress-related thoughts and behaviors. Sessions will be conducted via a secure broadband connection and will last approximately 75-90 minutes, scheduled at a mutually convenient time for group members. Prior to beginning the intervention, each participant will complete a 30-minute individual orientation call. This session will provide instructions on how to join and participate in the group meetings remotely using videoconferencing on a handheld device, laptop, desktop computer, or mobile phone. The orientation will also familiarize participants with the technology, group procedures, and expectations to ensure smooth engagement throughout the program.
BEHAVIORAL
Standard of Care Survivorship Care Planning
Participants will receive the Standard of Care Survivorship Care Planning that includes a 30-minute orientation call to provide them with information on Survivorship Care Planning (SCP) and answer any questions they may have. The SCP being used in the proposed study will use a prospective preparation of the treatment summary and care plan. The SCP is designed to facilitate access to resources provided by our cancer center's survivorship program (e.g., nutritional, exercise physiology, music therapists, acupuncture) which we will monitor for use. The SCP is based on templates for breast cancer survivorship employed at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center (SCCC) Breast Survivorship Program and includes access to cancer survivorship resources, which is the standard of care control condition.
Primary outcome measures
Change in Psychological Adaptation measured by Cancer-Specific Distress (IES-Intrusion)
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, 12 months
Cancer-specific intrusive distress will be measured using the 7-item Intrusion subscale of the Impact of Event Scale (IES). Each item is scored 0 ("not at all"), 1 ("rarely"), 3 ("sometimes"), or 5 ("often"), yielding a total score range of 0-35. Scores reflect the frequency of intrusive, cancer-related thoughts over the past 7 days. Higher scores indicate greater intrusive distress, and lower scores indicate fewer intrusive thoughts and better psychological adaptation. Change scores will be calculated as slope of change over 3 time points (baseline, 6months, and 12 months). Negative slops indicate improvement (reduced intrusive distress), and positive values indicate worsening. Change scores (slopes) will be compared between the R-CBSM+SCP and SCP-only arms to evaluate whether the combined intervention produces greater improvement over 6 and 12 months.
Change in Immune Cell Senescence measured by Lymphocyte Metabolic Function
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months
Change in immune cell senescence will be measured using latent construct composite of B- and T-lymphocyte metabolic indicators (ATP production, maximum respiration, and spare respiratory capacity). A composite score will be created from ATP production, maximum respiration, and spare respiratory capacity to index lymphocyte hyper-metabolism, a marker of cancer-accelerated aging. Higher composite values indicate greater immune senescence. Composite change scores (slope of change over the 4 time points) will be compared between study arms, R-CBSM+SCP and SCP only, over 6- and 12-months Increases indicate worsening immune senescence while decrease indicate lessening immune senescence.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- 50 yrs or older
- Speaks and reads English or Spanish at 6th grade level
- Diagnosed and completed primary treatment for Stage I-III HR + estrogen/ progesterone + (ER/PR)
- Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (Her2neu)- breast cancer 3 - 12 months prior
- Post-menopausal (\> 12 months since last menstrual cycle)
- Elevated distress (Impact of Event Scale-intrusive thoughts \[IES-I\] \> 14 or elevated distress based on assessment of PI
- If prescribed anti-depressants or anxiolytics on similar regimen \> 2 months.
- Undergoing treatment with Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy (AET)
- Participants may or may not have received chemotherapy or radiation during primary treatment
Exclusion criteria
- Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent
- Diagnosis with metastatic disease, HER2neu+ or Triple Negative breast cancer
- Prior cancer diagnosis (with the exception of non-melanoma skin cancer) in the 2 years prior to the current breast cancer diagnosis
- Active untreated major mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia, psychosis, bi-polar, substance abuse, panic disorder, PTSD diagnosis),
- Acute or chronic co-morbid medical condition with known effects on the immune system (e.g., HIV infection, autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute or Chronic Hepatitis, and Multiple Sclerosis, Graves' Disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia etc.). example: history of heart disease, e.g., past stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), or congestive heart failure are not exclusionary.
- Significant cognitive impairment, \<32 on the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS)
- Receipt of immunotherapy as part of treatment
Where
- Coral Gables, Florida
Collaborators
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 10, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations