Assessing virtual and in-person palliative care for oncology patients
Official title: Single Arm Pilot Trial of Virtual and In-person Symptom Screening With Targeted Early Palliative Care (STEP2)
Run by University Health Network, Toronto · NCT06326554 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is testing a new way to connect cancer patients with palliative care by using online symptom check-ins and in-person visits to see if it helps them feel better and manage their symptoms.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Health Network, Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06326554 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with stage IV cancer or specific advanced stages of other cancers and an estimated prognosis of 6 to 36 months.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are not proficient in English or have poor cognitive status may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the feasibility of a mixed intervention called STEP2, which combines virtual symptom screening with in-person palliative care referrals for oncology patients. Participants with advanced cancer will complete electronic questionnaires assessing their quality of life, symptom burden, depression, anxiety, and satisfaction with care at various intervals. The study will focus on patients' experiences and decision-making regarding palliative care visits based on their symptom severity. The goal is to improve access to early palliative care for patients with significant symptom burden.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance timely access to palliative care, improving the quality of life for oncology patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown the feasibility of similar palliative care interventions, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age 18+ years * stage IV cancer (stage III or IV for lung or pancreas cancers; hormone-refractory for prostate and ER-positive breast cancers) * Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0-2 * oncologist-estimated prognosis of 6-36 months * willingness to complete routine online symptom screening at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Exclusion Criteria: * insufficient English literacy to complete study procedures * oncologist-determined poor cognitive status * already received or currently receiving specialized palliative care
Where it's running
-
University Health Network
Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Camilla Zimmermann, MD PhD — University Health Network, Toronto
- Study coordinator: Ashley Pope, BSc
- Email: ashley.pope@uhn.ca
- Phone: 416-340-4800
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.