A Pilot Trial of Interpersonal Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Depression in Patients With Prostate, Colorectal, Lung and Pancreatic Cancer

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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There is now overwhelming evidence documenting the efficacy of psychotherapy in the treatment of depression in the general population. Surprisingly, however, given the high prevalence of depression in cancer patients, there are very few studies on the efficacy of psychotherapy in this population. Published studies of psychotherapy in cancer patients generally include patients with high heterogeneity of psychiatric diagnosis and frequently include patients without a psychiatric diagnosis, with the aim of preventing the appearance of a psychiatric disorder. This heterogeneity complicates the interpretation of the efficacy and specificity of these interventions. Specifically, the efficacy of psychotherapy for major depression in patients with cancer is unknown.

Detailed Description
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Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a brief, manualized therapy that has shown efficacy in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in several controlled trials. This study will test the efficacy of IPT in a group of prostate, colorectal, lung and pancreatic cancer patients with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. We will test the efficacy of IPT using a variety of outcome measures at different time points of the treatment. Those scales will evaluate the patient's depressive symptoms, psychosocial functioning and quality of life. Patients that are deemed eligible for the study will have IPT for twelve weeks. Patients will receive twelve 50-minute sessions over 16 weeks. To facilitate access to treatment, sessions 1,2,3,4, 8 and 12 will be in person, while all others will in be person or over the telephone according to the patient's choice. Sessions will be audiotaped and periodically reviewed by experienced supervisors to assess therapist's adherence to IPT technique. This taping will be optional and is covered in a separate consent form. This pilot study is to prove feasibility and acceptability of IPT in this population and to show preliminary efficacy.

Conditions
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Depression, Pancreatic Cancer, Lung Cancer, Colon Cancer, Prostate Cancer

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Psychotherapy


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: A primary psychiatric diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder as defined by DSM-IV Diagnosis of prostate, colorectal, lung or pancreatic cancer (stage 1-4) A score of 16 or above in the 17-item HAM-D (Hamilton depression scale) Male or female ages 18-75. Ability to give consent English and/ or Spanish Speaking Exclusion Criteria: Lifetime history of psychosis or bipolar disorder History of substance abuse or dependence in the three months prior to the study. Current suicide risk. Patients who have ever failed IPT in the context of cancer. Patients who are receiving effective medication for depression Patients with T3, T4 and THS abnormal values

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 75 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)<br>Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a brief, manualized therapy that has shown efficacy in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in several controlled trials. This study will test the efficacy of IPT in a group of prostate, colorectal, lung and pancreatic cancer patients with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. | Behavioral: Psychotherapy<br>* Interpersonal psychotherapy in the treatment of major depressive disorder.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17) | 10 to 15 minutes of mood assessment. | baseline, and every fourth week till week 12. | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Depression, Psychotherapy, Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Lung Cancer, Colon Cancer, Prostate Cancer