Geriatric-guided supportive care for older adults receiving chemotherapy and radiation for head and neck cancer and their caregivers

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

What this trial studies

In this randomized trial, patients 60 and older with localized, non-metastatic head and neck cancer are assigned to either a geriatric assessment (GA)-driven intervention or usual care, with caregivers randomized to the same arm as their patient. The GA arm receives structured assessments at baseline, four weeks, and one month after treatment completion, with results shared with treating oncologists and referrals to supportive services as needed; caregivers may also receive referrals. Outcomes include treatment-related toxicities, feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, patient and caregiver-reported outcomes, and health care utilization such as unplanned readmissions and ER/urgent care visits. Patients are followed at one and three months after completing the intervention period.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* PATIENT: Documented written informed consent of the participant
* PATIENT: Diagnosis of non-metastatic head and neck cancer
* PATIENT: Age: ≥ 60 years
* PATIENT: Patient must be scheduled to undergo curative-intent, definitive radiation with or without concurrent chemotherapy or postoperative radiation with or without concurrent chemotherapy
* PATIENT: Patients must have at least one geriatric assessment as assessed by the modified Geriatric 8 (G8) tool
* PATIENT: Family caregivers (FCGs) are highly encouraged to participate but this is not required. Patients without FCGs will be eligible to participate in the study. FCGs will be randomized to the same arm as their corresponding patients
* PATIENT: Ability to read and understand English
* CAREGIVER: A family member or friend identified by the patient and defined as a person who knows the patient well and is involved in the patient's medical care
* CAREGIVER: Ability to read and understand English
* CAREGIVER: Age 18 years or older

Where it's running

• City of Hope Medical Center
  Duarte, California, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Arya Amini — City of Hope Medical Center

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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.