Building Resiliency Among Caregivers of Curvivors and Metavivors

This pilot, randomized controlled trial assesses the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of the Stress Management and Resiliency - Relaxation Response Resiliency Program (SMART-3RP) for improving resiliency and decreasing distress among caregivers and cancer survivors compared to enhanced usual care.

Participants will be randomly assigned into one of the study groups: Smart-3RP versus referral to a group-based, online support group. Randomization means that a participant is placed into a group by chance.

Participation in this study is expected to last about 180 days.

It is expected about 96 people made up of 48 patients and 48 caregivers will take part in this research study.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is supporting this research by providing funding.

Inclusion criteria

for Patients:

• English speaking adult patients with cancer (18 years or older)
• Treated at MGH, who are either within approximately:

• 3 months to 3 years after completing potentially curative therapy for cancer diagnosis including surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy or other novel therapies (e.g., immunotherapy, biological therapy). Patients can be on long- term maintenance hormonal or biological therapy at the time of enrollment.
• 3 months after diagnosis of metastatic disease with an expected prognosis of >1 year as confirmed by the treating oncology clinician
• Able to identify a caregiver (i.e., spouse/partner or patient-identified family member or friend) who is willing to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

for Patients:

• Prognosis less than one year as determined by the treating oncology clinician
• Active psychiatric or cognitive comorbidity that prohibits the capacity to provide informed consent as determined by the treating oncology clinician
• Patients without a caregiver who is willing to participate

Inclusion criteria

for Caregivers:

• Adult caregiver (age 18 years or older).
• Identified by the patient as the spouse/partner or family member/friend.