Training family caregivers to support cancer patients in decision-making

Decision Support Training for Advanced Cancer Family Caregivers: The CASCADE Factorial Trial

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · NIH-10880246

This study is all about helping family caregivers of advanced cancer patients learn how to support their loved ones in making important health decisions, using a friendly online program that teaches them key skills to make the process easier and more aligned with what the patient wants.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10880246 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on preparing family caregivers of advanced cancer patients to effectively assist in health-related decision-making from diagnosis to end-of-life care. The CASCADE program utilizes telehealth to train caregivers in essential skills such as communication and decision support, ensuring they can provide the necessary support to patients during critical health decisions. By enhancing caregiver capabilities, the program aims to reduce patient distress and improve the alignment of care with patient values and preferences.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are family caregivers of adults with advanced cancer who are involved in health-related decision-making.

Not a fit: Patients who are not currently receiving care for advanced cancer or do not have family caregivers involved in their decision-making may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could empower family caregivers to provide better support to cancer patients, leading to improved decision-making and reduced distress for both patients and caregivers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous interventions aimed at enhancing caregiver support in palliative care have shown promise, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Advanced Cancer, Cancer Family, Cancer Patient, Cancer Treatment, Cancers

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.