New assessment system for measuring symptoms in cancer patients
Official title: Measuring the Symptom Distress of Cancer Patients: Development of a New Assessment System
Run by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT00505245 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 6500 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 13, 1999 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2031 |
| Study ends | April 30, 2031 |
| Registry record updated | July 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT00505245 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older, both inpatients and outpatients, receiving care at UT MD Anderson.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Other studies have shown success with similar patient-reported outcome measures, indicating potential for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
M D Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Xin Shelley Wang — M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Xin Shelley Wang
- Email: xswang@mdanderson.org
- Phone: 713-745-3504
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.