Brief Behavioral Intervention for Dyspnea in Patients With Advanced Lung Cancer

Many individuals with advanced lung cancer experience debilitating breathlessness at some point during the course of their illness. Unfortunately, few interventions exist to treat this distressing symptom of cancer. The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy of a brief behavioral intervention may help relieve breathlessness in individuals with advanced lung cancer. Participants will have a 50/50 chance of receiving the behavioral intervention or standard care. The principal investigator of the study, Dr. Joseph Greer, is a licensed clinical psychologist who has trained oncology nurses in how to deliver the behavioral intervention. The oncology nurses will meet with participants during their outpatient oncology appointments, such as chemotherapy infusions, to review the behavioral skills that may help with breathlessness. This intervention involves no medications but rather teaches patients skills for breathing control and relaxation of the body.