Multi-site Trial of a Brief Behavioral Intervention for Dyspnea in Patients With Advanced Lung Cancer

Recruiting

Who can join

Ages 18 and older · All sexes

Full eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥18 years
* Diagnosis of advanced lung cancer (i.e., non-small cell lung cancer or small cell lung cancer) or mesothelioma, not being treated with curative intent
* Self-report at least moderate dyspnea per a rating ≥4 on the validated 0-10 breathlessness item of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale-Revised
* Functioning independently per an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status ≤2
* Ability to read and respond to questions in English or Spanish
* Receiving primary cancer care at one of the participating institutions

Exclusion Criteria:

* Significant uncontrolled psychiatric disorder or other co-morbid disease (e.g., dementia, cognitive impairment), which the treating oncology clinician reports would prohibit the patient's ability to participate in study procedures.

About the study

Dyspnea, or breathlessness, is one of the most common and distressing symptoms experienced by patients with advanced lung cancer. The purpose of this multi-site trial is to test the effectiveness of a dyspnea intervention (called BREEZE+) that includes three brief nurse-delivered sessions and access to a digital health app that teaches and reinforces patients' use of skills for managing and coping with this highly debilitating symptom. This study will lay the groundwork for a follow-up pragmatic implementation trial integrating BREEZE+ into usual oncology care for patients with advanced lung cancer experiencing dyspnea.

What is being tested

Dyspnea Intervention (behavioral)
Enhanced Usual Care (behavioral)

Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital · Participants: 420 · Started: Nov 4, 2026

Contact the study team

Jennifer S. Temel, MD · Phone: 617-724-4000
Joseph A. Greer, PhD · Phone: 617-724-4000

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06791057

Locations in the U.S.

Florida	University of Miami, Coral Gables (Not yet recruiting)
Massachusetts	Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston

Conditions

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Nov 15, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.