Evaluating the STAMP+CBT Mobile Application for Managing Pain in Patients with Advanced Cancer
This clinical trial test whether a new mobile application (app) (Smartphone Technology to Alleviate Malignant Pain + Cognitive Behavioral Therapy [STAMP+CBT]) is useful for improving pain management in patients with cancer that may have spread from where it first started to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced) and who have cancer-related pain. The majority of patients with advanced cancer experience pain, which can be extremely psychologically and physically distressing. Poorly managed pain can be devastating to patients’ psychological health, physical functioning, social connectedness, and quality of life. Current pain management strategies include the use of opioids as well as non-opioid medications in combination with other pain relievers. However, many patients who take opioids experience inadequate relief. Strong evidence suggests that psychological interventions, namely cognitive behavioral therapy for pain, lead to significant improvement in pain. Mobile health technology is a promising strategy for overcoming access barriers and tailoring and delivering psychological interventions for advanced cancer pain. STAMP+CBT uses multimedia educational materials and survey procedures assessing pain, medication usage, mood, stress, and sleep alongside cognitive behavioral therapy techniques for pain to improve pain management in this population. This study may help researchers learn whether the STAMP+CBT is useful for improving pain management in patients with advanced cancer and pain.