Spiritual Care or Psychotherapy Versus Palliative Care Alone in Patients With Non-Curative Malignancies

This phase III clinical trial will evaluate the impact on survival of adding chaplain-provided spiritual care or psychotherapy/meditation to standard-of-care (SOC) and palliative measures, plus chemotherapy if recommended, and comparing it with SOC and palliative measures, plus chemotherapy if recommended, in patients with non-curative malignancies. The Palliative Care Department at Houston Methodist Hospital provides essential services to patients diagnosed with advanced cancer by sharing information and resources about symptom management, pain treatment and planning for the future. It is also recognized that chaplaincy-based spiritual care of patients can be a valuable part of interdisciplinary interventions in oncology.