Palliative rehabilitation for patients with incurable cancer

Integrated Short-term Palliative Rehabilitation to Improve Quality of Life and Equitable Care Access in Incurable Cancer: A Multi-national Randomised Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional King's College London · NCT05984797

This study tests if a short-term rehabilitation program combined with regular care can help improve the quality of life for people with incurable solid cancers.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment340 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorKing's College London Academic / other
Locations11 sites (Herlev and 10 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05984797 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention aims to evaluate the effectiveness of integrated short-term palliative rehabilitation combined with usual care in improving health-related quality of life for patients with incurable solid cancers. The study focuses on addressing the significant disability and loss of function experienced by these patients, which often leads to a decline in their quality of life. By empowering patients to manage their conditions actively, the intervention seeks to enhance their independence and social engagement. Participants will be assessed based on their ability to provide informed consent and complete trial assessments in their preferred languages.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 years or older diagnosed with incurable solid cancers, such as lung, colorectal, breast, or prostate cancer.

Not a fit: Patients with blood cancers or those currently receiving specialist rehabilitation for cancer-related dysfunction may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the quality of life for patients with incurable cancer by enhancing their functional abilities and overall well-being.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that palliative rehabilitation can improve quality of life in similar patient populations, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 18 years or older.
* Diagnosis of incurable solid cancer: lung, colorectal, breast, prostate or other, irrespective of timing in relation to any oncology or palliative care treatments
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 2-3
* Able to provide informed consent and complete trial assessments in available languages.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Blood cancers: Leukaemia, Lymphoma, Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), Myeloproliferative Disorder (MPD), Multiple Myeloma.
* Currently receiving specialist rehabilitation\* for their cancer or co-morbidity-related dysfunction, or received within the two weeks prior to consent.
* Clinician rated prognosis of less than 3 months.

Where this trial is running

Herlev and 10 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 CancercancerRehabilitationpalliativesupportdisability
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.