Improving communication for older adults with dementia facing cancer decisions
Enhancing Triadic Communication About Cognition for Older Adults With Alzheimer's Disease or Related Dementias Facing a Cancer Management Decision
This study is testing a new way to help older adults with dementia and their caregivers communicate better when making decisions about cancer treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Rochester Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rochester, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT06313853 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates a communication intervention called COACH-Cog designed for older adults with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias who are making decisions about cancer management. The intervention aims to enhance the autonomy support of both patients and their care partners during the decision-making process. By conducting a pilot randomized controlled trial involving oncology clinicians and patient/care partner dyads, the study seeks to assess the impact of COACH-Cog on communication, care partner well-being, and goal-concordant care. The ultimate goal is to improve the acknowledgment of cognitive concerns and related goals in the context of cancer care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 65 or older with a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or related dementia and a concurrent diagnosis of cancer.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or related dementia or who are not facing cancer management decisions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to improved decision-making and care outcomes for older adults with dementia facing cancer treatment options.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies focusing on communication interventions in complex medical decision-making have shown promise, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
PATIENTS: Patient Inclusion Criteria: 1. Be age 65 or older 2. Have a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or related dementia (ADRD \[Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, or dementia of unknown subtype\]) 3. Have a clinical diagnosis of cancer (any type or stage) 4. Anticipate a potential decision about cancer-related management, as confirmed by the patient's primary medical oncology clinician. 5. Have a care partner willing and able to participate in the study 6. Are able to read and understand English. The communication coaching session will be delivered in English, thus necessitating this requirement. 7. Be able to provide informed consent (as measured by UBACC) or have a Legally Authorized Representative to provide informed consent Patient Exclusion Criteria: Patient exclusion criteria: None CARE PARTNER: Care partner inclusion criteria: 1. Age 18 or over 2. Able to read and understand spoken English 3. Able to provide informed consent Care partner exclusion criteria: None ONCOLOGY CLINICIAN: Oncology clinician inclusion criteria: 1. Oncology clinicians affiliated with the Wilmot Cancer Institute 2. Do not intend to move or retire within the next 2 years. Oncology clinician exclusion criteria: None
Where this trial is running
Rochester, New York
- University of Rochester Wilmot Cancer Institute — Rochester, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Allison Magnuson — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Allison Magnuson
- Email: allison_magnuson@urmc.rochester.edu
- Phone: 585-602-5085
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.