Telephone Support for Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients

This trial tests telephone-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a type of
psychotherapy, to reduce fatigue interference with activities, mood, and cognition in
metastatic breast cancer (MBC) cancer patients. ACT includes mindfulness exercises (e.g.,
meditations, performing activities with greater awareness), identifying personal values
(e.g., family, work), and engaging in activities consistent with these values. A total of 250
patients will be randomly assigned in equal numbers to either the ACT intervention or an
education/support condition. Patients in both conditions will participate in six weekly
50-minute telephone sessions. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 2 weeks
post-intervention, and 3 and 6 months post-intervention. The investigators hypothesize that
ACT will lead to improved primary and secondary outcomes as compared to education/support. A
demonstration of ACT's efficacy will lead to dissemination of the intervention and ultimately
fulfill an unmet need in the comprehensive care of MBC patients.