Pilot randomized test of a social network program for older adults with advanced cancer
Official title: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Social Network Intervention for Older Patients With Cancer
Run by University of Rochester · NCT07393529 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This pilot will try the SONATA social network program to see if it helps adults 65 and older with advanced cancer manage their care better and improve quality of life.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Rochester Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rochester, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 10, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2029 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | July 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07393529 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults aged 65 or older with advanced or likely incurable cancer who can provide informed consent and are willing to complete study procedures.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant psychiatric or cognitive impairments that interfere with participation, non–English speakers, or those unwilling to complete study procedures are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot randomized trial will enroll 70 English-speaking adults aged 65 or older with advanced or likely incurable cancer and randomize them to the SONATA social network intervention or enhanced usual care. Social network members identified by patients may be invited to participate in the intervention arm. The study will measure feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, and the structure of SONATA, plus preliminary efficacy on outcomes such as patient activation, functional and cognitive status, and quality of life. Procedures and follow-up assessments are conducted at the University of Rochester to compare outcomes between the two arms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, SONATA could strengthen patients' social support to increase their ability to manage care and improve quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work linking stronger social support to better coping and patient-reported outcomes in older adults with cancer is promising, but SONATA is a novel structured social network intervention being pilot-tested for feasibility and preliminary efficacy.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Patients Inclusion criteria: * Age ≥65 years * A diagnosis of advanced or likely incurable cancer, as determined by the primary oncologist * Able to speak English * Able to provide informed consent Exclusion criteria: * Any psychiatric or cognitive impairments interfering with participation as determined by the oncology team * Unwilling to complete study procedures Social Network Members (if available, for intervention arm only) Inclusion criteria: * Age ≥18 years * Identified as an SN member by the patient in the intervention arm * Able to speak English * Able to provide informed consent Exclusion criteria: • Unwilling to complete study procedures
Where it's running
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kah Poh Loh — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Kah Poh Loh
- Email: Kahpoh_Loh@URMC.Rochester.edu
- Phone: 585-276-4353
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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.