Assessing symptom burden and quality of life in cancer patients with heart failure

Symptom Burden and Health Related Quality of Life of Cancer Patients With Concurrent Heart Failure

Observational M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT06656715

This study is trying to see how cancer and heart failure symptoms affect the quality of life for patients who have both conditions.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT06656715 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate and compare the symptom burden experienced by cancer patients who also have heart failure, specifically those with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Participants will undergo symptom assessments using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Heart Failure (MDASI-HF) and PROMIS instruments, focusing on fatigue, dyspnea, and sleep disturbance. Additionally, the study will assess health-related quality of life using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the SF-12 questionnaires. The goal is to better understand the interplay between cancer and heart failure symptoms and their impact on patients' quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a concurrent solid tumor cancer diagnosis who are not currently receiving active cancer treatment.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing active cancer treatment or those unable to provide informed consent will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights that lead to improved management strategies for cancer patients suffering from heart failure.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on studies specifically addressing this dual diagnosis, previous research has shown the importance of symptom management in cancer patients, indicating potential for success in this area.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 years and older
* Individuals with a concurrent solid tumor cancer diagnosis
* Not receiving active cancer treatment except for those on maintenance (i.e., Selective ER modulators (SERMs)\[Tamoxifen\], Aromatase inhibitors (Anastrozole, Letrozole, Exemestane), Ovarian suppression therapy (GnRH Agonists \[Leuprolide\], Androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer
* Completed cancer treatment at least 3 months and up to 3 years before study enrollment.

Therapy

* Able to read, speak and consent in English
* Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document
* Diagnosis of heart failure, confirmed by echocardiogram, MUGA, or cardiac catheterization
* Internet access via smart phone, tablet, a computer, or another device with the capacity to 1) download the Fitbit App and 2) complete electronic study assessments via REDCap.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants undergoing active cancer treatment.
* Inability to provide consent in the medical record, such as cognitively impaired individuals.

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

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.
Conditions Heart Failure
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.