Integrating palliative care early in blood cancer treatment
Early Integration of Palliative and Supportive Care for Patients and Family Caregivers Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation or Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy: A Prospective Pragmatic Randomized Clinical Trial
NA · Alberta Health Services, Calgary · NCT05190653
This study is testing whether adding palliative care early on can help people with blood cancers feel better and improve their quality of life during treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 152 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Alberta Health Services, Calgary (other) |
| Drugs / interventions | chimeric antigen receptor, CAR T |
| Locations | 1 site (Calgary, Alberta) |
| Trial ID | NCT05190653 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the early integration of palliative and supportive care for patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or CAR T-cell therapy for blood cancers. It aims to address the high symptom burden and poor quality of life experienced by these patients and their family caregivers. By implementing a multidisciplinary approach focused on holistic care, the study seeks to improve symptom management, enhance understanding of illness and prognosis, and ultimately improve end-of-life care. The effectiveness of this early palliative care intervention will be assessed through various quality of life metrics for both patients and their caregivers.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients diagnosed with hematologic malignancies who are scheduled for HSCT or CAR T-cell therapy.
Not a fit: Patients undergoing HSCT for non-malignant hematologic conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance the quality of life and symptom management for patients with blood cancers and their caregivers.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been limited research on early palliative care in blood cancers, existing studies in solid tumors have shown positive outcomes, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria - Patients * Clinical diagnosis of hematologic malignancy with scheduled hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy * Ability to speak, read, and understand English or, be able to complete questionnaires with minimal assistance required from an interpreter Inclusion Criteria - Family Caregivers * Family caregivers of patients with a clinical diagnosis of hematologic malignancy with scheduled hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy * A spouse, relative, or friend, identified by the patient, who either lives with the patient or has in-person contact with the patient at least twice per week. Only one family CG per patient will be asked to participate. * Ability to speak, read, and understand English or willing to complete questionnaires with minimal assistance required from an interpreter Exclusion Criteria - Patients * Patients undergoing HSCT for a non-malignant hematologic condition * Inability to provide informed consent Exclusion Criterion - Family Caregivers \* Inability to provide informed consent
Where this trial is running
Calgary, Alberta
- Tom Baker Cancer Centre — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Reanne Booker, PhD(c) — AHS Calgary
- Study coordinator: Reanne Booker, PhD(c)
- Email: Reanne.booker@albertahealthservices.ca
- Phone: 403-990-1425
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.
Conditions: Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, Blood Cancer, Stem Cell Transplant Complications, Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy, palliative care, supportive care