Evaluating the needs of people living with incurable cancer

Routine Evaluation of People Living With Cancer - Body Composition, Physical Function, Systemic Inflammatory Response, Quality of Life and Symptoms

Observational University of Edinburgh · NCT04406662

This study is trying to understand the needs and experiences of people living with incurable cancer to help improve their care and treatment options.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment600 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Edinburgh Academic / other
Locations1 site (Edinburgh)
Trial IDNCT04406662 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on individuals with incurable cancer, aiming to gather comprehensive data on their symptoms, quality of life, weight loss, body composition, and physical activity. By understanding the complex interactions between the tumor and the patient, the study seeks to create a holistic characterization of this population. The findings will help identify research priorities and inform the development of new therapeutic approaches. The study involves collecting detailed information from participants aged 18 and over who provide informed consent.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and over with incurable cancer who are either metastatic or receiving palliative anti-cancer therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with significant concomitant medical or psychiatric issues or those with pacemakers or implantable cardiac defibrillators may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of the needs of patients with incurable cancer, enhancing their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies focusing on specific aspects of cancer care, this comprehensive approach to characterizing the needs of incurable cancer patients is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with incurable cancer (metastatic cancer (Clinical, histological, cytological or radiological evidence) or receiving anti-cancer therapy with palliative intent).
* Aged 18-years and over
* Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any concomitant medical or psychiatric problems which, in the opinion of the investigator, would increase the risk of complication for the participant and/or investigator.
* Participants will not be able to take part in bio-impedance analysis if they have a pacemaker or implantable cardiac defibrillator.

Where this trial is running

Edinburgh

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 CachexiaCancerAdvanced CancerQuality of Lifecanceradvanced cancerincurable cancerbody composition
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.