Patient-partnered look at fear of cancer returning after kidney cancer surgery
Patient-partnered Research: a Key to Investigating Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Patients With Surgically Treated Kidney Cancer (PP-RECURK)
This project will work with people who had kidney cancer surgery and their partners to see if patient-led questions, timing, and digital methods can better identify fear that the cancer will come back.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 105 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Gødstrup Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Aalborg and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07234656 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational project forms a panel of Danish-speaking patients treated surgically for localized renal cell carcinoma (T1–T3) and their partners to co-design which questions, formats, and timings best capture Fear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR) in follow-up care. Investigators will use the 42-item Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI) for inspiration, translate a caregiver version into Danish, and hold online or in-person meetings to produce recommendations. In a pilot feasibility phase the team will test the recommended questions, modes (digital or in-clinic), and timing with patients and partners to collect real-world FCR data after surgery. Sites include Gødstrup, Aalborg, and Aarhus University Hospitals and outcomes focus on feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary FCR levels.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are Danish-speaking adults who had surgery for localized RCC (T1–T3) within the past 0–120 months, with or without a partner, and who can join online or in-person meetings and receive digital hospital communications.
Not a fit: Patients with metastatic disease, those who cannot read or speak Danish, cannot receive digital communications, or are unable to attend meetings in person or online are unlikely to benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help clinicians spot and respond to fear of recurrence earlier and tailor follow-up care to patients and their partners.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows FCR is common in localized RCC and caregiver FCR is frequent, but actively partnering patients and spouses to design FCR measurement in RCC is a novel approach with limited prior testing.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Phase 1: * Single patients diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) or patients with RCC being in an intimate relationship with a partner/spouse * Partner/spouse to patients who fullfil the inclusion criteria * Patients have undergone surgery due to localized RCC (T1-T2-T3 tumor) * Time since surgery: 0-120 months * Danish speaking patients and partners/spouses. Must be able to speak, write and read Danish * Patients/partners/spouses able to and willing to attend online project meetings or in person at Gødstrup Hospital. Phase 2: * Single patients diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) or patients with RCC being in an intimate relationship with a partner/spouse * Partner/spouse to patients who fullfill the inclusion criteria * Patients who have undergone surgery due to localized RCC (T1-T2-T3 tumor) * Danish speaking patients and partners/spouses. Must be able to speak, write and read Danish * Able to receive digital communication from the hospital * Informed consent must be signed before answering Fear of Cancer Recurrence questions Exclusion Criteria: Both phases, both patients and partners/spouses: * Diagnosed with cognitive impairment * Untreated psychiatric disorders due to non-compliance Phase 2: • Patients and partners/spouses who were panelists in phase 1
Where this trial is running
Aalborg and 2 other locations
- Aalborg University Hospital — Aalborg, Denmark (Recruiting)
- Aarhus University Hospital — Aarhus, Denmark (Recruiting)
- Gødstrup Hospital — Herning, Denmark (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Brigitta R Villumsen, PhD
- Email: brigvill@rm.dk
- Phone: +45 20487820
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.