Helping cancer patients with financial and social challenges

Addressing Financial and Social Needs Among Patients With Cancer

NA · University of California, Irvine · NCT06430840

This study is testing whether a financial support program can help newly diagnosed cancer patients manage their money and improve their overall well-being compared to just getting educational materials or standard care.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, Irvine (other)
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations6 sites (Costa Mesa, California and 5 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06430840 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a financial navigation and counseling program, compared to direct access to financial education materials and usual care, for newly diagnosed cancer patients facing financial hardship and social needs. The trial involves three groups: one receiving comprehensive financial support (CostCOM), another with access to educational resources (FinEd), and a control group receiving standard care. The aim is to assess improvements in adherence to cancer care, financial literacy, quality of life, and sleep quality among participants. The study will involve 90 patients who have started treatment for cancer and have been identified as needing financial assistance.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are English or Spanish-speaking adults, 18 years or older, recently diagnosed with cancer and experiencing financial hardship.

Not a fit: Patients with indolent cancer under observation or those not receiving cancer-directed therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce financial stress and improve overall well-being for cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that financial navigation can improve patient outcomes, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Speak English or Spanish
* 18 years or older
* Were diagnosed with any stage of cancer within the last 120 days
* Getting treatment in University of California Irvine-affiliated oncology clinics
* Have already started treatment like radiation, or cancer medication
* Screen positive for financial hardship or health-related social needs

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with indolent cancer undergoing observation alone
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance status above 2
* Patients not receiving any cancer-directed therapy
* Patients participating in other therapeutic clinical trials covering the cost of treatment.

Where this trial is running

Costa Mesa, California and 5 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cancer, Financial Hardship, Sleep, financial education, financial navigation, cost communication

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.