Writing therapy to reduce fear of cancer progression

Plain-English translation of NCT07636200 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated June 2026 · Translation generated July 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

The EASE Study is testing a new behavioral therapy called EASE (written exposure-based coping intervention) designed to help people with advanced cancer who experience significant fear about their disease getting worse. The therapy is based on proven trauma-reduction techniques adapted specifically for cancer patients, and involves writing about your concerns in a structured way over six sessions. Early testing showed this approach is acceptable, feasible, and shows promise in reducing both fear of progression and cancer-related anxiety.

More than half of people living with advanced cancer experience moderate to high fear about their cancer progressing, which is linked to anxiety, depression, poor quality of life, and increased healthcare visits. Despite these serious impacts, there are very few tested treatments specifically designed to help advanced cancer patients with this fear — which is why researchers developed and are now testing this new writing-based therapy.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 18 years old or older
you have been diagnosed with stage IV solid tumor cancer, stage III recurrent ovarian cancer, extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, or glioblastoma
you are able to understand the study, attend six sessions in person or by video, and write for about 30 minutes
you report elevated fear about your cancer progressing and cancer-related anxiety on screening assessments
you are fluent in English or Spanish and can read English well enough to complete surveys

You likely don't qualify if…

you have untreated trauma unrelated to your cancer diagnosis
you have been hospitalized for psychiatric reasons or attempted suicide in the past 2 years
you are currently at high risk for suicide
you have been diagnosed with cognitive impairment or dementia that might affect your ability to benefit from the therapy

What participation looks like

If you join this study, you will either receive the EASE therapy or continue with usual cancer care. If assigned to EASE, you will attend six individual sessions (by telehealth or in person) where you'll write about your worst-case fears related to your cancer and work with a therapist to process these fears. You will also complete surveys before, during, and after the treatment to help researchers understand how the therapy is working for you.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 9, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(2 sites)

United States

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado

University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado