New assessment system for measuring symptoms in cancer patients

Measuring the Symptom Distress of Cancer Patients: Development of a New Assessment System

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT00505245

This study is testing a new way to measure symptoms and their impact on quality of life for cancer patients to see if it can help improve their care.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment6500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center (other)
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT00505245 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial evaluates the effectiveness of the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) and other patient-reported outcome instruments in measuring symptoms and their impact on the quality of life in cancer patients. It aims to assess how these tools perform across various cancer types and treatment regimens, as well as their ability to estimate functional status and quality of life. Participants will complete questionnaires and interviews periodically to gather data on symptom severity and its effects on health-related quality of life. The study also explores the use of an interactive voice response system to enhance outpatient clinical care and develop symptom management pathways.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older, both inpatients and outpatients, receiving care at UT MD Anderson.

Not a fit: Patients who are not receiving treatment for cancer or do not have a caregiver involved in their care may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved symptom management and quality of life for cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar patient-reported outcome measures, indicating potential for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* NORMAL SAMPLES: Community dwelling adults 18 years of age or older
* PATIENT SAMPLES: Inpatients and outpatients 18 years of age or older, being followed at UT MD Anderson
* EXPERT PANEL PROFESSIONAL PARTICIPANTS: Physician or other healthcare provider with at least 5 years of experience caring for patients with the disease and/or treatment of interest, at least one publication in the last 5 years dealing with the disease and/or treatment of interest (physician only), ability to speak and read English, consent to participate
* EXPERT PANEL FAMILY CAREGIVERS PARTICIPANTS: Identification as a family caregiver by patient enrolled as expert panel participant with the disease and/or treatment of interest, 18 years of age or older, ability to speak and read English, consent to participate
* EXPERT PANEL PATIENT PARTICIPANTS: Patient with identified family caregiver participating on Expert Panel, willingness to receive packet for expert panel participation

Exclusion Criteria:

* EXPERT PANEL PATIENT PARTICIPANTS: Patient with identified family caregiver participating on expert panel, willingness to receive packet for expert panel participation

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

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: Caregiver, Health Care Provider, Malignant Neoplasm, Physician

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.