In a groundbreaking development for cancer care, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has awarded a $3.1 million grant to support a pioneering mental health model designed specifically for cancer patients. This funding will enable the testing of a new approach to mental health treatment through a clinical trial conducted by the Hollings Cancer Network at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).
Depression is prevalent among individuals with advanced or incurable cancer, impacting their quality of life and treatment adherence. Addressing this mental health challenge is crucial for helping patients maintain meaningful connections with loved ones and engage in activities that bring them joy and purpose. However, barriers such as a shortage of mental health professionals, transportation issues, and lingering stigma often complicate the effective treatment of depression in this population.
Dr. Evan Graboyes, a head and neck surgical oncologist and director of Survivorship and Cancer Outcomes Research at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, and Dr. Jennifer Dahne, a licensed clinical psychologist and head of the Behavioral Health Innovations Lab at Hollings, are at the forefront of developing a new model of care aimed at overcoming these barriers. Their innovative approach seeks to proactively reach out to cancer patients and provide them with timely, personalized mental health treatment.
The grant from the NCI expands upon a smaller pilot project previously funded by Hollings, which laid the groundwork for this initiative. The clinical trial will explore the effectiveness of the new model, which integrates advanced technology to improve accessibility to mental health care for cancer patients.
Addressing Depression Among Cancer Survivors
As cancer increasingly becomes a chronic condition managed over extended periods, understanding and addressing the mental health needs of this growing and often overlooked group is vital. Depression among cancer survivors—particularly those with advanced or metastatic disease—can significantly diminish quality of life, reduce adherence to treatment protocols, and increase suicidal thoughts.
Dr. Graboyes emphasizes the importance of proactive intervention, noting that traditional methods of screening and referral for depression may not adequately serve this patient group. The new model aims to streamline and enhance access to mental health care by leveraging technology.
A New Approach: Behavioral Activation and Mobile Health
Dr. Dahne has developed a mobile app-based treatment known as “Moodivate,” which utilizes behavioral activation—a therapy focused on re-engaging individuals with activities that bring them joy and purpose. This app-based intervention is designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing patients to receive support tailored to their needs and circumstances.
Preliminary evaluations of the Moodivate app, adapted for cancer survivors, have shown promising results. In a pilot study involving 30 patients, adherence rates were notably high, demonstrating the app’s potential to effectively support mental health in this population.
Expanding Access Through Technology
The new model aims to automatically identify patients in need of mental health support through electronic health records, enabling them to access remote treatment programs as needed. This approach addresses challenges related to limited availability of mental health providers and geographical barriers, making it easier for patients, even those in rural areas, to receive timely care.
By integrating a natural language processing model to identify eligible patients, the researchers hope to scale the program and make it more efficient. This technology will help pinpoint individuals with likely incurable cancer who could benefit from the intervention, ensuring that the program reaches those most in need.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Dahne and Dr. Graboyes are optimistic about the future of their model, envisioning its potential to address other mental health and survivorship needs in the cancer patient population. This initiative represents a significant step forward in enhancing mental health support for cancer patients and improving overall outcomes through innovative, technology-driven solutions.