Blood CancersNCT07814170
A Manualised Post-Traumatic Growth Intervention For People With Hematological Cancers In Greece
A study testing A manualised post-traumatic growth intervention for people with hematological cancers in people with Blood Cancers and Leukemia, run by University of West Attica at 2 sites in Greece.
Trial summary
This clinical trial aims to determine whether a manualised group intervention for people with blood cancers can help them experience positive psychological changes following their diagnosis, known as post-traumatic growth. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Blood Cancers, Leukemia, Lymphoma
- What is being tested?
- A manualised post-traumatic growth intervention for people with hematological cancers
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 80 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesGreece
- Study dates
- 6 Jun 2024to 31 Dec 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Having a diagnosis of a hematological cancer
- Having completed the planned hospital admission and related treatments
- Having no more than 5 years since the initial diagnosis
Who cannot join
- Being in active psychological or psychiatric treatment
- Having an unmanaged mental health difficulty
- Having a severe cognitive impairment
- Being unable to give informed consent
- Being unable to read or speak Greek
- Having one or more cancer relapses
- Diagnosed with another type of cancer within 5 years prior to recruitment
- Having a life expectancy of less than one year
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country.
Greece2 sites
University General Hospital of Thessaloniki - AHEPA
Thessaloniki, 54636
General Hospital of Thessaloniki G. Papanikolaou
Thessaloniki, 54639
About this study
This clinical trial aims to determine whether a manualised group intervention for people with blood cancers can help them experience positive psychological changes following their diagnosis, known as post-traumatic growth. Participants receiving the intervention will be compared with those receiving usual care and placed on a waiting list. Participants will be randomly allocated to either the group intervention or the usual care/waiting-list group. The study will also explore how this intervention could be implemented within the Greek healthcare system. The study aims to answer the following main questions: (1) Does this psychological group intervention increase post-traumatic growth in people with blood cancers? (2) Does this intervention improve other outcomes, including anxiety, depression, quality of life, psychological well-being, cognitive functioning, distress, illness understanding and routine blood markers? Participants will: (1) Attend nine weekly face-to-face group sessions in Greek, each lasting approximately two hours, with other people living with blood cancers. (2) Receive a detailed manual/workbook covering the session content and be encouraged to use it between sessions. (3) Have the opportunity to participate in an optional outdoor activity of their choice. (4) Complete questionnaires and a brief cognitive assessment before and after the intervention, together with other assessments as required. Participation is voluntary and free of charge. Some participants may experience mild emotional discomfort when discussing their experiences; however, psychological support will be available if needed. The findings will help researchers determine whether this group intervention can support people living with blood cancers and inform the future implementation of similar interventions within the Greek healthcare system.
Read the detailed description
Hematological cancers and their treatments can significantly affect the body, social interactions, and psychological health of individuals who experience them. However, such traumatic experiences provide individuals with the opportunity to change and experience what is known as post-traumatic growth. Post-traumatic growth is defined as the positive psychological changes that happen after a traumatic life crisis, and in people with cancer has been connected to biopsychosocial variables like quality of life and biomarkers.
The objectives of this non-pharmacological randomized controlled trial with pre-post measures are implemented in two phases. Phase 1 - Post-traumatic growth intervention: (1) Develop a post-traumatic growth intervention manual, (2) Investigate the feasibility of implementing a post-traumatic growth intervention in the Greek healthcare system, (3) Assess the effectiveness of a psychological intervention in increasing post-traumatic growth and other biopsychosocial variables in people with hematological cancers. Phase 2 - Policy recommendations for the Greek healthcare system: (1) Develop best practice guide on the psychosocial support of people with hematological malignancies in Greece, (2) Develop health policy recommendations on the integration of psychosocial interventions in oncological health care in Greece.
In this context, a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on the findings of interventions in the post-traumatic development of people with cancer was conducted and published (https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.6241). The conclusions of the meta-analysis (e.g., components, methods) contributed to the development of an intervention manual (that features education, self-reflection, behavioral activation, connecting and sharing with others, processing and coping with trauma, emotional regulation techniques, and an introduction to mindfulness meditation).
Following this, a pilot study (n = 6) was conducted to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the manual in this setting. Participants also shared their views and experiences of the intervention.
What follows is a randomized controlled trial, recruiting from major hospitals and patient societies. Measurements include questionnaires (e.g., quality of life, anxiety, depression) and biomarkers (CRP, hemoglobin, albumin).
Participants in the experimental group (expected n = 40) will participate in 9 weekly group meetings lasting 120 minutes each, for 6-10 people. Participants in the control group will receive usual care without any intervention (expected n = 40), but will be offered the intervention after the main study is completed. Participants will be assessed at baseline and at follow-up intervals, using self-reported questionnaires, a brief cognitive assessment (namely the Montreal Cognitive Assessment) and biomarkers.
This is one of the first randomized controlled trials in post-traumatic growth for people with hematologic cancers and is expected to contribute to the available evidence-based interventions for people with hematologic cancers through publications in peer-reviewed journals.
- Conditions
- Blood Cancers, Leukemia, Lymphoma, Bone Marrow Transplant, Psychological Trauma, Neoplasms
- Being tested
- A manualised post-traumatic growth intervention for people with hematological cancers
- Keywords
- Randomized Controlled Trial, Psychosocial Intervention, Psychotherapy, Group, Peer Support, Post-traumatic Growth, Psychological, Psychological Trauma, Cancer Survivors, Chronic Disease Management, Oncology Supportive Care, Biomarkers, Quality of Life, Depression, Anxiety, Cognitive Function, Illness Perceptions, Psychoeducation
- Medical subject headings
- Hematologic Neoplasms, Leukemia, Lymphoma, Psychological Trauma, Neoplasms, Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin, Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse, Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
A manualised post-traumatic growth intervention for people with hematological cancersBehavioural
Also called TRANSFORM: Teach, Reflect, Activate Behaviour, Network & Connect, Share, Face & Cope, Open up & Write up, Regulate Emotions, Meditate & Mindfulness, TRANSFORM: Teach, Reflect, Activate Behavior, Network & Connect, Share, Face & Cope, Open up & Write up, Regulate Emotions, Meditate & Mindfulness
The intervention consists of nine weekly two-hour group sessions and an optional outdoor activity, delivered over a total period of approximately 2.5 months. Participants will also be encouraged to engage in 30 minutes of daily practice (e.g., reading, writing) related to the intervention content and manual/workbook. The core components of the intervention are summarized by the acronym TRANSFORM: Teach, Reflect, Activate Behavior, Network \& Connect, Share, Face \& Cope, Open up \& Write up, Regulate Emotions, Meditate \& Mindfulness. These elements are designed to enhance participants' skills to understand cancer and manage related thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The intervention is grounded in PTG theory and prior empirical evidence.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Control group | No intervention | Control group, waiting list, usual care |
| Intervention | Experimental | Interventional arm during which participants join a weekly peer group Receives: Behavioral: A manualised post-traumatic growth intervention for people with hematological cancers |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Posttraumatic Growth Inventory - X (PTGI-X)
PTGI-X is a validated, 25-item, theory-driven questionnaire scored on a 6-point Likert scale, with scores ranging from 0-125, where higher scores indicate higher PTG.
Measured: Pre-intervention (baseline), post-intervention (9 weeks post-baseline), and approximately at 3, 6, and 12 months following the post-intervention assessment.
Secondary outcomes (9)
Impact of Event Scale - Revised (IES-R)
The IES-R is a validated 22-item measure of subjective distress of an individual's response to a specific traumatic event. IES-R measures the impact of the trauma over the last 7 days using a 5-item Likert scale. Scores range from 0-99, with higher scores indicating higher impact.
Measured: Pre-intervention (baseline), post-intervention (9 weeks post-baseline), and approximately at 3, 6, and 12 months following the post-intervention assessment.
Brief Illness Perceptions Questionnaire (BIPQ)
BIPQ is composed of eight closed questions rated on a 10-point Likert scale, and one open question. The items tap into categories of illness perceptions and how participants understand elements around their illness. Reverse scoring is needed in some questions. Scores range from 0-80, with higher scores indicating worse illness perceptions.
Measured: Pre-intervention (baseline), post-intervention (9 weeks post-baseline), and approximately at 3, 6, and 12 months following the post-intervention assessment.
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
HADS is a 14-item scale, using a 4-point Likert scale which can be used to measure anxiety and depression, with a higher score indicating higher mental health difficulties. Scores range from 0-21 for each subscale and 0-42 for the total.
Measured: Pre-intervention (baseline), post-intervention (9 weeks post-baseline), and approximately at 3, 6, and 12 months following the post-intervention assessment.
Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-being (FACIT-Sp)
FACIT-Sp is a 12-item measure of QoL and well-being that uses 5-point Likert scales. Accounting for reverse scoring, scores range from 0-48, with higher scores indicating better QoL and well-being.
Measured: Pre-intervention (baseline), post-intervention (9 weeks post-baseline), and approximately at 3, 6, and 12 months following the post-intervention assessment.
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
MoCA is an administered cognitive assessment sensitive to mild cognitive changes. Scores range from 0-30, with higher scores indicating better cognitive function.
Measured: Pre-intervention (baseline), post-intervention (9 weeks post-baseline), and approximately at 3, 6, and 12 months following the post-intervention assessment.
Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Leukemia (FACT-Leu)
FACT-Leu is a 44-item quality of life disease-specific measure. Accounting for reverse scoring, scores range from 0-176 with higher scores indicating better quality of life.
Measured: Pre-intervention (baseline), post-intervention (9 weeks post-baseline), and approximately at 3, 6, and 12 months following the post-intervention assessment.
Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Lymphoma (FACT-Lym)
FACT-Lym is a 42-item quality of life disease-specific measure. Accounting for reverse scoring, scores range from 0-168, with higher scores indicating better quality of life.
Measured: Pre-intervention (baseline), post-intervention (9 weeks post-baseline), and approximately at 3, 6, and 12 months following the post-intervention assessment.
Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Bone Marrow Transplantation (FACT-BMT)
FACT-BMT is a 50-item quality of life disease-specific measure, scoring between 0-200. Accounting for reverse scoring, higher scores indicate better quality of life.
Measured: Pre-intervention (baseline), post-intervention (9 weeks post-baseline), and approximately at 3, 6, and 12 months following the post-intervention assessment.
Biomarkers
(1) Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen or carbon dioxide from the lungs to tissues and back. (2) C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein produced in response to inflammation which is a sensitive but non-specific marker of acute inflammation, infection, or tissue injury. (3) Albumin is a plasma protein, synthesized by the liver, maintaining oncotic pressure and transporting hormones, drugs, and ions.
Measured: Pre-intervention (baseline), post-intervention (9 weeks post-baseline), and approximately at 3, 6, and 12 months following the post-intervention assessment.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted10 Sep 2026
- Study start6 Jun 2024
- Primary completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (2)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Blood CancersStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants will be first randomly allocated to either the control or the intervention group. Following the completion of the intervention and the follow-up, the control group will be offered the intervention should they wish to receive it.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 80 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of West Attica
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Nikolaos Vrontaras, University of West Attica
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07814170
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 93342/26-10-21, 38387/14-05-24
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 17 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 10 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: All sensitive information will be stored according to the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The researcher will have access to the data and will allow others (e.g., supervisors) to access this data if they have a legitimate reason to do so. No one outside the research team will have access to the data.
Publications
Tedeschi, R. G., Shakespeare-Finch, J., & Taku, K. (2018). Posttraumatic growth: Theory, research, and applications. Routledge.
Vrontaras N, Koulierakis G, Ntourou I, Karakatsoulis G, Sergentanis TNu, Kyrou D, Kapetanakis A, Karademas E, Karamanidou C. Psychosocial interventions on the posttraumatic growth of adults with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Psychooncology. 2023 Dec;32(12):1798-1826. doi: 10.1002/pon.6241. Epub 2023 Nov 14.
PubMed 37964424