Helping unemployed cancer survivors return to work

Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effectiveness and Cost-effectiveness of a Supported Employment Intervention Aimed at Enhancing Work Participation of Unemployed or Work-disabled Cancer Survivors: the PLACES Study

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional Academisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA) · NCT06028048

This study is testing a special program to help unemployed cancer survivors find jobs and improve their confidence about returning to work.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment164 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorAcademisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA) Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Haarlem and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06028048 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the PLACES intervention, a tailored supported employment program, aimed at helping unemployed and work-disabled cancer survivors re-enter the workforce. Participants will be divided into an intervention group receiving the PLACES support and a control group receiving care as usual. The study will assess various outcomes including employment status, quality of life, and self-efficacy regarding returning to work over a 12-month period. Additionally, the study will analyze the cost-effectiveness of the intervention and the process of its implementation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are working-age cancer survivors, aged 18-65, who have been diagnosed with cancer between 6 months and 10 years ago and are currently unemployed or work-disabled.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to speak, read, or understand Dutch, or those diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve employment rates and quality of life for cancer survivors who are currently unemployed or work-disabled.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in similar approaches to support employment for cancer survivors, indicating potential for success in this intervention.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
In order to be eligible for participation, participants must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Of working age (18-65 years);
2. Diagnosed with cancer between 6 months and 10 years ago;
3. Unemployed and either partially or fully work-disabled
4. They have completed their primary treatment (except long-term treatment such as hormone therapy);
5. An approved reintegration trajectory at the SSA;
6. Seeking paid employment and motivated to initiate work promptly.

Cancer survivors who are unable to speak, read or understand the Dutch language and cancer survivors who got diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma will be excluded from participation.

Where this trial is running

Haarlem and 1 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.
Conditions Cancer SurvivorsReturn to WorkCancer survivorsReintegrationUnemployment
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.