Behavioral and emotional factors affecting care for people with advanced cancer
Behavioral and Psychosocial Effects on Study Outcomes in End-Stage Cancer Treatment (BEST End-Stage Cancer Study)
This project looks at whether clearer doctor communication and better support for emotional and social needs help people with advanced cancer get care that matches their wishes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11179134 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be followed while receiving care for advanced cancer to see how doctor conversations, your feelings, and family support affect decisions at the end of life. Researchers collect short interviews and surveys, review medical records for treatments like chemotherapy near death, and talk with caregivers when appropriate. The team tests a simple communication tool for oncologists (Oncolo-GIST) and other psychosocial approaches to improve understanding and reduce harmful overtreatment. Participation mostly happens through oncology clinics and involves questionnaires, brief conversations with clinicians, and chart reviews.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with advanced or end-stage cancer who are receiving oncology care and facing treatment decisions, especially about continuing chemotherapy, are the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People with early-stage cancer, those not in oncology care, or those who do not want to discuss prognosis or treatment choices are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help people with advanced cancer get clearer prognostic information, avoid harmful late chemotherapy, and receive care more aligned with their goals.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work from this group showed that improved oncologist communication and the Oncolo-GIST approach increased prognostic understanding and influenced end-of-life care, but broader application is still being tested.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Prigerson, Holly Gwen — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Prigerson, Holly Gwen
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.