A communication tool for older patients with acute myeloid leukemia and their caregivers

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Patient-centered Communication Tool (UR-GOAL) for Older Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Their Caregivers, and Their Oncologists

NA · University of Rochester · NCT05335369

This study is testing a new communication tool to help older patients with acute myeloid leukemia and their caregivers make better treatment decisions together with their doctors.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Rochester (other)
Locations1 site (Rochester, New York)
Trial IDNCT05335369 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot trial evaluates the UR-GOAL communication tool designed to enhance shared decision-making and communication between older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), their caregivers, and oncologists. The tool assesses patient fitness, elicits values and preferences, and provides educational resources about AML. Developed with input from stakeholders, the study aims to improve the quality of care and patient engagement in treatment decisions. It includes a randomized approach to compare the tool's effectiveness against usual care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking patients aged 60 and older who are newly diagnosed with AML or being evaluated for possible AML.

Not a fit: Patients who are not English-speaking or those who do not have decision-making capacity may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this tool could significantly improve communication and decision-making for older patients with AML, leading to better patient-centered care.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using communication tools to enhance patient engagement and decision-making in oncology, suggesting a favorable outlook for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patients

1. Age ≥60 years
2. Newly diagnosed AML or being worked up for possible AML
3. Able to provide informed consent
4. Agreement of their oncologist to participate in the study
5. English-speaking

If patients screen positive for cognitive impairment on the Mini-Cog test performed as part of the baseline assessment, they can still enroll if they are able to provide informed consent and have decision making capacity as determined by their treating oncologist

Caregivers

1. Selected by the patient when asked if there is a "family member, partner, friend or caregiver \[age 21 or older\] with whom the patient discuss or who can be helpful in health-related matters;" patients who cannot identify such a person ("caregiver") can be eligible for the study. A caregiver need not be someone who lives with the patient or provides direct hands-on care. A caregiver can be any person who provides support (in any way) to the patient
2. Able to provide informed consent
3. English-speaking

Oncologists

1. A practicing oncologist
2. At least one of their patients are recruited to the study
3. English-speaking

Where this trial is running

Rochester, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Acute myeloid leukemia, communication, shared decision making, older adults, geriatric hematology

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.