Testing a new communication tool for ovarian cancer patients and their caregivers

Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Collaborative Agenda-setting Intervention (CASI) for Patients With Ovarian Cancer

NA · Dana-Farber Cancer Institute · NCT06543537

This study is testing a new communication tool to see if it helps ovarian cancer patients, their caregivers, and doctors work better together in planning care.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment112 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorDana-Farber Cancer Institute (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT06543537 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study evaluates the Collaborative Agenda-Setting Intervention (CASI), a new communication tool designed for patients with advanced ovarian cancer, their caregivers, and clinicians. The study involves a two-arm, parallel group randomized design where clinicians are assigned to one of two groups, and patients and caregivers are enrolled based on their clinician's group. Participants will undergo screening for eligibility, audio recorded clinic visits, and complete questionnaires over a period of up to 12 weeks for patients and caregivers, and up to 52 weeks for clinicians. The goal is to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of CASI in enhancing communication and care planning.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of advanced ovarian cancer who are scheduled for chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage ovarian cancer or those not receiving chemotherapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could improve communication and care coordination for patients with ovarian cancer, leading to better treatment experiences and outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While this is a pilot study and the CASI approach is novel, similar communication interventions have shown promise in enhancing patient-clinician interactions in other cancer types.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Participant Inclusion Criteria:

* At least 18 years old
* Able to speak, understand, and respond to questions written in English
* Willing to be audio recorded
* Have a diagnosis of advanced ovarian cancer (defined as stage III, stage IV, or recurrent disease)
* Be under the care of a participating clinician dyad
* Be scheduled for chemotherapy during the recruitment period
* Be signed up or willing to sign up for Patient Gateway

Caregiver Inclusion Criteria:

* At least 18 years old
* Able to speak, understand, and respond to questions written in English
* Willing to be audio recorded
* Be a family member, partner, or friend of a patient participant with whom the patient participant discusses their cancer care

Clinician Inclusion Criteria:

* Be employed at DFCI as an oncologist, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant
* Take care of at least 4 patients per month with advanced ovarian cancer (defined as stage III, stage IV, or recurrent disease) in the outpatient setting

Participant Exclusion Criteria:

* Age of \<18 years
* Unable to consent

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Ovarian Cancer, Ovarian Neoplasms, Ovarian Carcinoma

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.