NCT05984589 · University of Southern California
Personalized Health Self-Management Training for Colorectal Cancer Survivors
What this study is about
This is a Phase 2 forward-looking, randomly assigned, controlled, double-treatment group$1 study to assess personalized self-management training (PSMT) intervention effectiveness and patient experiences compared to standardized self-management training (SSMT).
View original scientific description
This is a Phase 2 prospective, randomized, controlled, double-arm study to assess personalized self-management training (PSMT) intervention efficacy and patient experiences compared to standardized self-management training (SSMT). A total of 120 gastrointestinal (GI) cancer patients will be enrolled and randomized 1:1 to complete a 6-week self-management training program (either PSMT or SSMT) to be carried out by licensed occupational therapists with doctoral training. This study aims to examine whether PSMT is more effective in increasing adherence to healthy behavior recommendations compared to SSMT in GI cancer patients.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
RISE Personalized Self-Management Training (PSMT)
Along with patient education and internalization of self-determination, the RISE intervention focuses on replacing unhealthy habits with health-promoting habits. Ongoing practice and guidance in generating and enacting SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound) health goals is the centerpiece of the RISE intervention. Working one-on-one with the PI, participants will set goals and develop practical strategies to establish sustainable healthy behavior (HB) change. Motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and patient education will accompany intensive collaborative problem-solving and creation of accountability structures to create lasting change. The 6-week intervention includes 2 in-person visits and 4 videoconference sessions.
BEHAVIORAL
Standardized Self-Management Training (SSMT)
Participants randomized to the control condition will receive 6 standardized sessions from one of the occupational therapy (OT) interveners, matched to the PSMT for setting. At these visits, participants will be presented with slides containing pre-specified, standardized didactic content about the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) healthy behavior recommendations (HBRs). We hypothesize that these visits will control for the effect of research participation and increased knowledge about HBRs, and that simply providing standardized didactic content as an intervention modality without any personalization will have negligible effects on participants' healthy behaviors (HBs), self-efficacy, or quality of life. Content will follow the WCRF/AICR HBRs. Weeks 1-2 will focus on physical activity; weeks 3-4 will focus on diet and alcohol, and weeks 5-6 will focus on weight management and generalized strategies for HB change.
Primary outcome measures
To compare the difference in WCRF/AICR score between the intervention (RISE-PSMT) and control (SSMT) groups.
Time frame: 12 weeks.
Outcome measures contributing to each component of WCRF/AICR Healthy Behavior Adherence scale will be collected from baseline and end-of-study visits (Session 6 and Follow-up). The WCRF/AICR scale comprises of 7 categories with each category given a score for non-/low adherence, moderate/some adherence, or full adherence to each HBR. Total value ranges from 0 to 7 points, with a higher score indicating better adherence. HBR items include body composition, physical activity, diet, and alcohol use.
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
- Age ≥18 years at the time of consent.
- History of Stage I-IV colorectal cancer (CRC) or other gastrointestinal cancer within the past 10 years prior to enrollment.
- Ability to speak, write, and read English sufficiently to allow for program participation.
- Identified by self-report as having willingness and interest to work on at least one lifestyle-related risk factor. Lifestyle-related risk factors include diet, physical activity, body composition, alcohol use.
- Scoring ≤3.5 on the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) Health Behavior Adherence Scale or in the low-to-moderate range in any subcategory consistent with moderate to low adherence to healthy behavior recommendations (HBRs).
- Ambulatory and independent in activities of daily living (ADL).
- Written informed consent obtained from subject and ability for subject to comply with the requirements of the study.
Exclusion criteria
- Cognitive or mental impairments that in the opinion of the Principal Investigator or study physician would hinder the program participation.
Where
- Los Angeles, California
Collaborators
National Institutes of Health (NIH), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
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 10, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations