Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully

Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) in Primary Brain Tumor Patients

The purpose of this study is to pilot test an empirically supported psychotherapeutic intervention, Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM). Researchers hope to better understand the potential benefits of this intervention on brain tumor patients' mood and quality of life. This may lead to improvements in doctor's understanding of how to enhance brain tumor patient's wellbeing and overall functioning.

In this study, participants will be asked to do the following things:

1. Complete ~15-minute online surveys before the program, immediately after the program (4 months), and at follow-up (6 months). . Questions will ask about mood, anxiety, death distress, quality of social relationships, and satisfaction with life.
2. Meet with an interventionist six times (biweekly) for individual sessions via Zoom, lasting 50-60 minutes each. Sessions will be audio-recorded to ensure all participants receive the same information. Participants will be asked to only use first names.
3. Complete weekly ~5 minute online surveys after each session on satisfaction with the program.
4. Complete an exit interview by telephone approximately 1 month after the 6-session intervention. This exit interview will last approximately 15-30 minutes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• have a confirmed malignant brain cancer diagnosis via histopathology
• be a minimum of 2 weeks post-surgical resection or biopsy (if applicable)
• be primarily English speaking
• be age 18-89
• obtain >20 on the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS)
• have current elevated depression or death anxiety symptoms
• have a reliable internet connection to participate in the Zoom therapy sessions

Exclusion Criteria:

• Major communication difficulties as determined by the research team which would prohibit psychotherapeutic interaction
• inability to meet with interventionist via an electronic device for telehealth intervention sessions
• inability to provide informed consent