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Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Interventional Ages 21 to 99

Care coach-led palliative surgical and rehabilitation care for people with advanced cancer

Official title: Effectiveness of A Care Coach-led Integrated Palliative Surgical Oncology and Rehabilitation Care Model in Patients With Advanced Cancer Undergoing Major Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Run by Singapore General Hospital · NCT07133269 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This program will test whether a care coach-led palliative surgical oncology approach paired with rehabilitation helps adults with stage 3–4 solid cancers who are planning major elective surgery.

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Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages21 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
Enrollment770 (estimated)
SponsorSingapore General Hospital
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations2 sites (Singapore and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 20, 2025
Main results expectedOctober 2027
Study endsApril 2028
Registry record updatedFebruary 12, 2026
Trial IDNCT07133269 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults aged 21 or older with stage 3–4 solid-organ cancers or cancers requiring complex major elective surgery who can read and speak English or Chinese (and their unpaid family caregivers) are the ideal candidates.

Probably not a fit

Patients who require specialty palliative care for complex needs, those undergoing emergency or non-elective surgery, younger than 21, or unable to read/speak English or Chinese are unlikely to benefit from this program.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Participants receive a care coach-led palliative surgical oncology intervention integrated with tailored rehabilitation before and after major elective surgery. The care coach-supported surgical team provides basic palliative care elements such as serious illness conversations, symptom management, and psychosocial support alongside functional restoration. Outcomes include patient function, symptom burden, quality of life, and health care use such as readmissions. Caregivers and clinical staff are engaged for qualitative feedback on implementation and acceptability.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve function, symptom control, quality of life, and reduce post-surgical readmissions for patients with advanced cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Integrated palliative care in surgical settings is relatively novel but pilot data and other integrated palliative models suggest feasibility and potential benefit.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

(i) Patients:

1. Aged 21 and above,
2. Diagnosis of advanced cancer, i.e. stage 3 or 4 solid organ cancer or diagnosed with cancer that requires complex surgery,
3. Planned for elective major surgery (Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP) table code 4 or more or surgery involves more than one surgical discipline,
4. Able to speak and read English or Chinese

(ii) Caregivers:

1. Age 21 and above,
2. Unpaid family or informal caregiver who takes direct care of the patient's day-to-day and healthcare needs, or ensures provision of care to meet the needs, or who is the decision maker with regard to the patient's needs and healthcare,
3. Able to speak and read English or Chinese.

(iii) Healthcare Providers (Qualitative interview only):

1. Age 21 and above,
2. Currently working as a Healthcare professional at SGH or NCCS and involved in this study.

Exclusion Criteria:

(i) Patients:

1. Patient refusal,
2. Have complex PC needs requiring specialty palliative care (SPC) intervention before surgery,
3. Active mental illness or severe dementia and certified unfit to make medical decision by a specialist physician,
4. Scheduled for Emergency surgery.

(ii) Caregivers:

1\. Unwilling to participate in the study.

(iii) Healthcare Providers (Qualitative interview only):

1\. Unwilling to participate in the Qualitative interview.

Where it's running

  • National Cancer Centre Singapore
    Singapore, Singapore     Recruiting
  • Singapore General Hospital
    Singapore, Singapore     Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.