Targeted palliative care program for people with metastatic breast cancer

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The study will randomize 400 patients with metastatic breast cancer and their identified caregivers across three cancer centers to either a five-session personalized palliative care program (TARGET-PC) or enhanced usual care that includes an electronic prompt for clinicians to discuss and record goals and preferences. TARGET-PC sessions are delivered by palliative care specialists working alongside oncology teams and focus on symptom management, communication about values and preferences, and coping skills. Primary outcomes include measures of communication quality, symptom burden, coping, understanding of care, and caregiver distress, with follow-up assessments to compare groups. The trial aims to determine whether a timely, personalized, and scalable palliative approach can be integrated into routine oncology care for people with long metastatic disease trajectories.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Patient Inclusion Criteria:

* age ≥18 years
* diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer
* within 8 weeks of the oncology visit at which they were identified as having an eligible Epic EOL Care Index (≥ 15)
* functioning independently per an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤2
* receiving their cancer care at one of the participating institutions
* able to complete questionnaires in English or Spanish

Patient Exclusion Criteria:

* received outpatient palliative care visit within the last six months
* enrolled in hospice services
* diagnosed with a comorbid condition that impairs their ability to understand study procedures and/or consent for the trial as per the report of the oncology clinician(s)

Caregiver Inclusion Criteria:

* age ≥18 years
* identified by the patient as a family member or friend who is primarily involved in their care
* able to complete questionnaires in English or Spanish

Where it's running

• Massachusetts General Hospital
  Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
• Duke University
  Durham, North Carolina, United States Recruiting
• University of Pennsylvania
  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Jennifer Temel, MD
• Email: jtemel@mgh.harvard.edu
• Phone: 617-724-4000

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.