Clinical Research Directory

Fear of Cancer Recurrence Therapy (FORT): Turkish Cultural Adaptation and Implementation Project

This project had two phases. In the first phase, the group-based Fear of Recurrence Therapy (FORT) was culturally adapted for Turkish cancer survivors (Nüks Korkusu Terapisi, NKT) through a four-stage process based on the WHO and ecological validity frameworks: literature review, translation and expert review of the manual, cognitive interviews with survivors and psycho-oncology experts, and an adaptation workshop. In the second phase, a two-arm randomised controlled trial compared NKT with an active CBT-based supportive group in women with stage I-III breast cancer. Both interventions were delivered online in six weekly group sessions. The planned sample was 136 participants (68 per arm); 100 were randomised (50 per arm). Questionnaires were completed at baseline (T0), post-treatment (T1), and 3 (T2) and 6 (T3) months after the final session. The primary outcome was the total score of the Turkish Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory at 3 and 6 months; secondary outcomes were intolerance of uncertainty, self-efficacy, quality of life and cancer coping. Analyses were planned as repeated-measures ANCOVA within a general linear modelling framework.

Group CBT for Intolerance of Uncertainty

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a debilitating condition involving excessive and uncontrollable worry and anxiety. Difficulty tolerating the uncertainties of life, known as intolerance of uncertainty (IU), has been shown to be key in the development and maintenance of GAD symptoms. A new, streamlined cognitive-behavioural treatment that targets IU has been shown to be effective in at reducing GAD symptoms, IU, and general psychopathology when delivered one-on-one with a therapist, as shown in a recently published pilot study. The individual format of this treatment is now being evaluated in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). The overall objective of this study is to pilot test a group version of the treatment protocol to determine if a future RCT of this group treatment is both warranted and feasible. We will also conduct a preliminary investigation into the group treatment's efficacy. A total of two pilot groups (N = 12-20) will be conducted with participants recruited from two clinical hospital sites in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The group treatment protocol will be delivered over the course of 12 weekly therapy sessions. Participants will complete assessment measures at pretreatment, posttreatment, and at a 3-month follow-up point. All assessments and treatment sessions will be conducted virtually via videoconferencing platform due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

The Impact of a Web-based Empowerment Program on Intolerance of Uncertainty and Maintenance Burden.

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between uncertainty intolerance and caregiver burden in a web-based empowerment program based on uncertainty theory in disease, applied to caregivers of prostate cancer patients.

Test of Target Engagement of Ambiguity Aversion

The present work aims to test whether a single session intervention alters ambiguity aversion, both in terms of people's decision making and their brain responses to ambiguous choices.