NCT05053230 · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
A Study Evaluating the Integrative Medicine at Home (IM@HOME) Program in People With Cancer
(IMPROVE)
What this study is about
The overarching long-term goal of the Integrative Medicine for Patient-reported Outcomes Values and Experience (IMPROVE) research program is to evaluate whether integrating a virtual mind-body programming, Integrative Medicine at Home (IM@Home), will improve patient perceived values, outcomes, and experiences as they undergo systemic cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted agents, cytoreductive surgery.
View original scientific description
The overarching long-term goal of the Integrative Medicine for Patient-reported Outcomes Values and Experience (IMPROVE) research program is to evaluate whether integrating a virtual mind-body programming, Integrative Medicine at Home (IM@Home), will improve patient perceived values, outcomes, and experiences as they undergo systemic cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted agents, cytoreductive surgery.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
IM@Home
Participants in the IM@Home group will receive a 12-week virtual, synchronous, mind-body and fitness program. The Classes will be conducted via Zoom video conferencing platform. Patients will choose from a variety of weekly classes, occurring one to four times per week. An Integrative Medicine Service (IMS) clinical therapist (e.g., licensed dance therapist, certified yoga instructor, nurse specialist/physical trainer) with specific expertise in the oncology setting will lead each session. Activities range from more movement-based (fitness, yoga, dance therapy, or tai chi) to meditative-based classes (meditation, guided meditation, or music therapy). All clinicians will provide an overview of the session, 25 to 40 minutes of content, and five minutes for feedback and discussion. Each class lasts 30 to 45 minutes with optional audio or video participant participation and group chat.
BEHAVIORAL
Enhanced usual care
Patients in the enhanced usual care will receive usual care. In addition, once enrolling into the trial, they will be given a handout to encourage them to visit the MSK's multimedia page on the Integrative Medicine website to access pre-recorded, on-demand meditation audio or video recordings for meditation, guided imagery, and relaxation.
Primary outcome measures
Average Fatigue Severity from the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI)
Time frame: 12 weeks
Primary outcome will be measured by the average fatigue severity measured by the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI). The BFI is a 9-item instrument designed to assess one construct of fatigue severity in cancer and non-cancer populations. Three items ask patients to rate the severity of their fatigue at its "worst," "usual," and "now" during normal waking hours, with 0 being "no fatigue" and 10 being "fatigue as bad as you can imagine." Six items assess the amount that fatigue has interfered with different aspects of the patient's life during the past 24 hours. The interference items are measured on a 0-10 scale, with 0 being "does not interfere" and 10 being "completely interferes."59 A composite fatigue severity score can be found by averaging the 9 item scores.
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 or older
- Karnofsky score 60 or greater
- Life expectancy greater than six months
- English speaking Additional Inclusion Criteria for Head and Neck, Thoracic, Gynecologic, Melanoma and Breast Baskets
- Patients with a diagnosis of head and neck tumors, thoracic tumors, gynecological tumors, melanoma, breast cancer, or gynecologic cancer
- Actively receiving systemic oncological treatment or radiotherapy, or within 4 weeks of radiotherapy completion or primary cytoreductive surgery
- Worst fatigue over the last 7 days rated 4 or greater on (0-10 scale) Additional Inclusion Criteria for First Remission Gynecologic Cancer Basket
- Patients with a diagnosis or clinical suspicion of gynecologic malignancy who have completed definitive first line treatment (maintenance hormonal or targeted therapies are allowed) Additional Inclusion Criteria for the Advanced Cancer Basket:
- Patients with a diagnosis of Stage III or IV lung cancer; any stage pancreatic cancer, unresectable cholangiocarcinoma, unresectable liver cancer, unresectable ampullary or peri-ampullary cancer, or other stage IV gastrointestinal cancer; stage III or IV ovarian or fallopian tube cancers or other stage IV gynecologic cancer; stage IV breast cancer; stage III testicular cancer or any stage IV genitourinary cancer; stage IV sarcoma; stage IV melanoma; stage IV endocrine cancer; lymphoma, myeloma, or Leukemia
- Actively receiving oncological treatment, radiotherapy or active surveillance Additional Inclusion Criteria for the Cancer Survivor Basket:
- Completed active cancer treatment (e.g., surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) (maintenance hormonal or targeted therapies are allowed).
- Worst fatigue over the last 7 days rated 4 or greater on (0-10 scale)
Exclusion criteria
- Cognitive impairment that would preclude response to study assessments or require the use of Legally Authorized Representatives
- Unwilling to accept random assignment
- Concurrently enroll onto ongoing competing trials of integrative medicine interventions with symptom/toxicity as primary outcome. Note, however, patient will be allowed to enroll on other therapeutic protocols
Where
- Basking Ridge, New Jersey
- Middletown, New Jersey
- Montvale, New Jersey
- Commack, New York
- Harrison, New York
- New York, New York
- Uniondale, 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 Jul 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations