A Novel Intervention for Patients With Cancer

This research study is a Feasibility Study, which is the first-time investigators are examining this psychological intervention in patients with cancer who are prescribed opioids and are receiving palliative care. This study is being conducted to develop a psychological intervention designed specifically for individuals with cancer. The purpose of this study is to determine how practical this intervention is, to determine patient satisfaction, and test the study procedures. The aims are to:

• determine whether this intervention will be appropriate for further testing;
• identify which parts of the protocol and procedures need to be modified; and
• assess patients' reactions to this intervention.

This research study involves a psychological intervention for thoughts, feelings, emotions, and memories that individuals diagnosed with cancer may have.

The names of the study intervention and research activities involved in this study are/is:

• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Cancer (involving 6 sessions with a licensed clinical psychologist)
• Questionnaires
• Post-study interview

The research study procedures include: screening for eligibility and study treatment including evaluations, 6 visits, and a post-study interview.

Participants will be on this research study for up to 2 months.

It is expected that about 10 people will take part in this research study

Inclusion criteria

• at least 18 years old
• have an estimated survival time of at least 6 months (as estimated by palliative care provider)
• score at least 4 on the Opioid Risk Tool (ORT)
• have been diagnosed with any cancer, including hematologic malignancies
• performance status criterion of 0, 1, or 2 [ with 0 indicating that the patient is asymptomatic, 1 that the patient is symptomatic but fully ambulatory, and 2 that the patient is symptomatic and in bed <50% of the day]

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with a score at least 3 to ensure that all enrolled patients are able to participate in the intervention, complete assessments, ensure that no patients who are too sick to participate are enrolled; this will enhance the rigor of the study)
• currently be on opioid therapy
• not meet criteria for current substance use disorder
• assessed by the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of mental disorders; DSM-5 or be receiving substance use disorder treatment; and speak and comprehend English sufficiently to be able to participate in psychotherapy.