NCT02596490 · M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Couple-Based Meditation for Metastatic Lung Cancer Patients and Their Partners
What this study is about
Objectives: Our specific aims are to: Aim 1: Examine the feasibility of a couple-based meditation program in 50 patients with metastatic lung cancer and their partners. Aim 2: Establish the initial effectiveness of a couple-based meditation program in patients and their partners regarding physical, psychological, and spiritual quality of life outcomes.
View original scientific description
Objectives: Our specific aims are to: Aim 1: Examine the feasibility of a couple-based meditation program in 50 patients with metastatic lung cancer and their partners. Aim 2: Establish the initial efficacy of a couple-based meditation program in patients and their partners regarding physical, psychological, and spiritual quality of life outcomes.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Questionnaires
Phase 1: At end of second meditation and discussion session, couples complete complete a written review about the program in general and a questionnaire about their general health and well-being. Phase 2: Couples complete 12 questionnaires before first meditation and discussion session. Questionnaires ask about participant's health, mood, level of fatigue, sleeping habits, their relationship, and quality of life. Same questionnaires completed 1 week after mediation sessions. Phase 3: Participant complete 13 questionnaires before first mediation session, after last session, and again 3 months later. Questionnaires ask about participant's health, any symptoms they may be having, mood, level of fatigue, sleeping habits, their relationship, and their quality of life. Partners complete 12 questionnaires about their health, mood, level of fatigue, sleeping habits, their relationship, and their quality of life. AC group completes same questionnaires with no intervention.
BEHAVIORAL
Meditation and Discussion Sessions
Phase 1: Participant and partner attend 2 meditation sessions with a mediation trained instructor. Each session will last about 60-90 minutes. Phase 2 and 3: Participant and partner attend meditation class with a trained meditation instructor each week for 4 weeks. Each session will last about 60 minutes total. Meditation and discussion sessions videotaped.
BEHAVIORAL
Cancer-Related Discussion Program
Phase 3: Participant and partner attend 1 discussion session each week for 4 weeks with a trained interventionist. During the discussion sessions, participants discuss issues for couples coping with cancer. Each session will last about 60 minutes.
Primary outcome measures
Efficacy of Couple-Based Meditation for Participants with Lung Cancer and Their Partners
Time frame: 4 months
Efficacy based on physical, psychological, and spiritual quality of life outcomes. T-tests used to compare the pre-post change in the quality of life (QOL) outcomes between interventions separately for the participants and caregivers.
Feasibility of Couple-Based Meditation for Participants with Lung Cancer and Their Partners
Time frame: 4 months
Intervention deemed feasible if \>60% of enrolled couples complete Time 1 and Time 2 survey assessments.
Feasibility of Couple-Based Meditation for Participants with Lung Cancer and Their Partners
Time frame: 4 months
Intervention deemed feasible if on average \>50% of all practice sessions are attended.
Feasibility of Couple-Based Meditation for Participants with Lung Cancer and Their Partners
Time frame: 4 months
Intervention deemed feasible if no attributable adverse events (AE) or serious adverse events (SAE) occur.
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
- ALL PHASES, PATIENTS ONLY: Diagnosed with stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
- ALL PHASES, PATIENTS ONLY: Currently receiving treatment (e.g. radiotherapy, chemotherapy) at MD Anderson Cancer Center
- ALL PHASES, PATIENTS ONLY: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of less than or equal to 2
- ALL PHASES, PATIENTS ONLY: Have a romantic partner with whom they have resided for a minimum of 6 months
- ALL PHASES, PATIENTS AND PARTNERS: Must be at least 18 years old
- ALL PHASES, PATIENTS AND PARTNERS: Able to read and speak English
- ALL PHASES, PATIENTS AND PARTNERS: Able to provide consent.
Exclusion criteria
- ALL PHASES, PATIENTS AND PARTNERS: Not oriented to time, place, or person as deemed by the clinical team
- ALL PHASES, PATIENTS AND PARTNERS: Regular (self-defined) participation in psychotherapy or a formal cancer support group
- ALL PHASES, PATIENTS AND PARTNERS: Prior enrollment in a couple-based mind-body intervention research study (protocols 2011-1179, 2013-0496, 2014-0036) conducted by the principal investigator including phase 1 or phase 2 of the current study.
Where
- Houston, Texas
Collaborators
National Cancer Institute (NCI), American Cancer Society, Inc.
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 Apr 15, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations