Telephone coaching to help people with advanced cancer and their support person plan for end-of-life care
Official title: Community-Engaged Pilot Testing of Talking About Cancer (TAC) to Improve Engagement in Advance Care Planning
Run by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NCT07141407 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program tests whether two phone coaching sessions help people with advanced cancer and their support person have end-of-life conversations and complete advance directives.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Everett, Washington and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 8, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | January 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 25, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07141407 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (18+) with stage III or IV cancer who can give informed consent, speak English or Spanish, have access to a telephone or device, and can identify a support person willing to participate are the ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are too ill to participate, are currently receiving hospice care, lack a willing support person, or cannot communicate in English or Spanish are unlikely to receive 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
Participants with stage III or IV cancer and a nominated support person are randomized to either two telephone-based coaching sessions delivered by a social worker or to receive an advance care planning brochure. Coaching sessions last 45-60 minutes weekly for two weeks and focus on communication, managing distress, and creating an action plan to complete advance directives and have goals-of-care conversations. The control arm receives written ACP materials only. Outcomes are measured at 6 and 12 weeks after randomization to see if coaching increases ACP conversations and completion of documents.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could increase how often people with advanced cancer have goals-of-care conversations and complete advance directives, improving end-of-life care that matches their wishes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous clinician- or coach-led advance care planning interventions, including some telephone-based programs, have shown modest increases in conversations and documentation, though results have been mixed.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * PATIENT: Current diagnosis of stage III or IV cancer * PATIENT: Able to provide informed consent * PATIENT: Fluent in English or Spanish * PATIENT: Have access to a telephone, computer, or mobile device * CAREGIVER (SUPPORT PERSON): Person patient indicates provides support * CAREGIVER (SUPPORT PERSON): English or Spanish speaking * CAREGIVER (SUPPORT PERSON): 18 years of age or older * CAREGIVER (SUPPORT PERSON): Able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * PATIENT: Too ill or weak to complete the interviews (as judged by the interviewer) * PATIENT: Receiving hospice at the time of enrollment * PATIENT: Younger than age 18
Where it's running
-
Providence Regional Cancer Partnership
Everett, Washington, United States Recruiting -
Skagit Regional Health Cancer Care Center
Mount Vernon, Washington, United States Recruiting -
Fred Hutch/University of Washington Cancer Consortium
Seattle, Washington, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Megan Shen, PhD — Fred Hutch/University of Washington Cancer Consortium
- Study coordinator: Megan Shen, PhD
- Email: mshen2@fredhutch.org
- Phone: 206-667-4172
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Using siltuximab to prevent severe side effects during cancer treatment
This study is testing if the drug siltuximab can help prevent severe side effects in cancer patients who are getting immune therapy again.
-
Combining Temozolomide and M1774 to Treat Advanced Cancer
This study is testing a combination of two cancer drugs, temozolomide and M1774, to see if they can help people with advanced metastatic cancers feel better and improve their treatment outcomes.
-
See if virtual informed consent methods help people decide to join cancer research
This trial tests whether virtual human communicators and different consent messages can influence cancer patients’ understanding and willingness to participate in research.
-
AI-powered supportive care chatbot for young adult cancer survivors
A chatbot driven by artificial intelligence is tested to help young adult cancer survivors manage symptoms and care needs after treatment.
-
Telehealth pharmacist-led opioid education for cancer patients
This pilot tests a telehealth group education session led by a palliative care pharmacist to help adults with cancer use opioids more safely and effectively.
-
Mindfulness program to help with symptoms in chronic graft-versus-host disease
A mindfulness-based program is being tested to see if it can reduce patient-reported symptoms for adults with chronic graft-versus-host disease after a stem cell transplant.
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.