CALM: Managing Distress in Malignant Brain Cancer

Managing Distress in Malignant Brain Cancer - Phase IIc RCT

The purpose of this study is to test an empirically supported psychotherapeutic intervention, Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM), compared to treatment as usual (TAU) in those with malignant brain cancer diagnoses.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Self-reported diagnosis of brain metastasis (bMET) or a malignant primary brain tumor (PBT; specifically grade III or IV and CNS diffuse large B cell lymphomas)*
• At least 2-weeks post-surgical resection or biopsy of the brain (if applicable)
• Score > 20 on the TICS
• Reported elevated depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 10) OR death anxiety symptoms (DADDS score ≥ 15)
• Ability to read, speak, and understand English
• Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document

Exclusion Criteria:

• Major communication difficulties which would prohibit the psychotherapeutic interaction
• Inability to meet with the interventionist via an electronic device for telehealth intervention sessions
• Inability to understand and provide informed consent
• Prisoners
• Medical, psychological, or social condition that, in the opinion of the principal investigator, may increase the participant's risk of adverse events and/or prohibit the individual's participation in the intervention.