Pilot randomized test of a social network program for older adults with advanced cancer
A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Social Network Intervention for Older Patients With Cancer
NA · University of Rochester · NCT07393529
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
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Rochester (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Rochester, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT07393529 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Rochester, New York
- 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
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.
Conditions: Advanced Cancer, Older Adults, Social Networks, geriatric oncology, social networks