Program to support parents with advanced cancer and their children
Enhancing Connections-Palliative Care: A Cancer Parenting Program for Patients With Advanced Cancer and Their Children
This study is testing two different support programs to see if they can help parents with advanced cancer and their children feel less anxious and improve their relationship.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1590 (estimated) |
| Ages | 23 Years to 68 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Washington Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Washington, District of Columbia and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05477784 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial evaluates two educational programs aimed at enhancing the quality of life for parents with late-stage cancer and their children aged 5 to 17. Participants are randomized into two groups: one receives a structured program focused on improving communication and support between parent and child, while the other group receives an educational booklet and a scripted phone call for guidance. The goal is to reduce anxiety and depression in parents and improve their overall well-being and relationship with their children. Recruitment is conducted nationally through the Fred Hutch/University of Washington Cancer Consortium.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are parents aged 23 to 68 with late-stage, non-curable cancer who have a child living at home aged 5 to 17.
Not a fit: Patients who are in hospice care or whose non-ill co-parent does not consent to participate may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the emotional well-being of both parents with advanced cancer and their children.
How similar studies have performed: While similar educational interventions have shown promise in improving patient and family dynamics, this specific approach is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Parents with any type of late-stage, non-curable cancer (determined by TNM stage IV cancer for solid tumors or 2 or more cycles of treatment failure with disease relapse in non-solid tumors) * All therapies are allowable * 23 years (yr.) to 68 yr. Age restriction exists for the patient based on parent having a child ages 5-17 * Patient must have a child (5yr. -17 yr.) living in the home at least 50% of the time and residential with non-ill parent or parent surrogate * Read and write English as one of their languages of choice * Have access to a telephone * Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document. Read and write English as one of their languages of choice Exclusion Criteria: * Patient is in hospice at time of enrollment * Non-ill co-parent does not consent to join study
Where this trial is running
Washington, District of Columbia and 1 other locations
- Georgetown University — Washington, District of Columbia, United States (Recruiting)
- Fred Hutch/University of Washington Cancer Consortium — Seattle, Washington, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Frances M Lewis, RN, MN, PhD, FAAN — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Ellen H Zahlis
- Email: zahlis@uw.edu
- Phone: 206 550-8471
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.