NCT07225309 · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
A Study of Meaning-Centered Therapy for Mexican Adults With Advanced Cancer
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to find out if Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Latinos (MCP-L) helps reduce anxiety and depression and improves quality of life compared to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to find out if Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Latinos (MCP-L) helps reduce anxiety and depression and improves quality of life compared to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Investigators also want to learn what participants and providers think about the therapy, including how the therapy is designed, outside factors, available resources, and how the people involved affect how well MCP-L works.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Latinos /MCP-L
MCP-L is a structured 7-session manualized intervention culturally adapted into Spanish for Latino participants diagnosed with advanced cancer, which utilizes a mixture of didactics, discussion and experiential exercises that focus on particular themes related to meaning and advanced cancer. It is 60-minute individual sessions delivered every week or intermittently (depending on participant preference) for up to approximately 3 months (in this time period) in the event of medical illness.
Primary outcome measures
Change in clinical levels of anxiety and depression for participants participating in Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Latinos (MCP-L)
Time frame: 1 month
To examine the efficacy of Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Latinos (MCP-L) in improving clinical levels of anxiety and depression at 1-month post-intervention follow-up. Assessed using the General Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7; range 0-21, higher scores indicate greater anxiety levels) and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item scale (PHQ-9; range 0-27, higher scores indicate greater depression levels), respectively.
Change in clinical levels of anxiety and depression for participants participating in Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Latinos (MCP-L)
Time frame: 3 months
To examine the efficacy of Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Latinos (MCP-L) in improving clinical levels of anxiety and depression at 3-month post-intervention follow-up. Assessed using the General Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7; range 0-21, higher scores indicate greater anxiety levels) and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item scale (PHQ-9; range 0-27, higher scores indicate greater depression levels), respectively.
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
- EMR Criteria \- Documentation of Disease
- Pathologically confirmed breast, prostate, colorectal, thyroid, cervix, uteri, or lung - solid tumor cancer (either most recent or new diagnosis)
- Definition of Disease \[or Measurable Disease\]
- Diagnosed with stages III or IV
- Prior Treatment
- Receiving ambulatory care at INCan Self-Report Criteria
- Age ≥ 18 years
- Able to read and communicate in Spanish determined by the question: "Can you read and communicate in Spanish? Yes/No"
- Professional role of administrators, clinicians (e.g., oncologists), mental health providers, supervised therapists-in-training (e.g., graduate students), or other related provider delivering the MCP-L experimental intervention
- Providing care (or services) to Mexican cancer patients at INCan
- Has access to internet and an electronic device
- Agrees to be audio-recorded
Exclusion criteria
- EMR Criteria
- Prior Treatment
- Received psychological or psychiatric care at INCan in the last 3 months
- In the judgment of the treating physician, protocol investigators, and/or study staff, presence of cognitive impairment (e.g., delirium or dementia) sufficient to preclude meaningful informed consent and/or study participation
- Diagnosed with a serious psychiatric condition Self-Report Criteria
- Received psychological or psychiatric care outside of INCan in the last 3 months
- Presence of suicide risk determined by the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale
- Too ill to participate determined by the question: "Do you feel too ill to participate because of communication problems, uncontrollable pain, or other symptoms that prevent you from participating?" Provider Eligibility Criteria: Inclusion Criteria Self-Report Criteria
- Age ≥ 18 years
- Able to read and communicate in Spanish determined by the question: "Can you read and communicate in Spanish? Yes/No"
- Professional role of administrators, clinicians (e.g., oncologists), mental health providers, supervised therapists-in-training (e.g., graduate students), or other related provider delivering the MCP-L experimental intervention
- Providing care (or services) to Mexican cancer patients at INCan
- Has access to internet and an electronic device
- Agrees to be audio-recorded
Where
- New York, New York
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 Jun 22, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations