Training for oncologists to improve communication with lymphoma patients

Evaluation of a Communication Intervention (Hematolo-GIST) for Large B-Cell Lymphoma Providers

Not applicable Interventional Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center · NCT05940272

This study tests a new training program for oncologists to help them communicate better with patients who have diffuse large B-cell lymphoma about their diagnosis and care options.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment48 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations2 sites (New York, New York and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05940272 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop and evaluate a communication training intervention called Hematolo-GIST, specifically designed for hematologic oncologists who treat patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The intervention focuses on enhancing the ability of oncologists to effectively communicate with their patients regarding their lymphoma diagnosis and advance care planning. Participants will include both oncologists and patients, with the training being implemented during patient appointments. The study seeks to address communication gaps that may impact patient understanding and care decisions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients diagnosed with DLBCL who are being treated by participating hematologic oncologists and self-identify as Black and/or White.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a diagnosis of DLBCL or are not being treated by a participating oncologist may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the quality of communication between oncologists and patients, leading to better patient understanding and satisfaction in their care.

How similar studies have performed: While communication training interventions are not novel, this specific approach targeting oncologists in the context of DLBCL has not been widely tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Providers

* Currently a an MSK provider caring for patients with DLBCL (including DLBCL-transformed follicular lymphoma (TFL) and primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) which are histologically similar and treated as large-cell lymphoma)

Patients

* Per medical record, is currently being treated by a provider who is participating in this study (for the purposes of this study, "treating provider" will be defined as any provider who provides care related to the patient's lymphoma diagnosis)
* Per medical record, has a diagnosis of DLBCL including DLBCL-transformed follicular lymphoma (TFL) and primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) which are histologically similar and clinically treated as large-cell lymphoma
* Per medical record, relapse/ refractory disease within 12 months of 4 cycles of first line therapy OR relapse after 2 cycles of later line therapy or or autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT)
* Self-identify as Black and/or White
* Per medical record, 18 years of age or older
* Per self-report, fluent in English\*\*

  * Language verification: Prior to enrollment, patients will be asked the following two questions by a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) to verify English fluency necessary for participation in the study:

    1. How well do you speak English? (must respond "very well" or "well" when given the choices of Very well, Well, Not well, Not at all, Don't know, or Refused)
    2. What is your preferred language for healthcare? (must respond English)

Exclusion Criteria:

Providers

* Per self-report, planning to leave the cancer center in the next 12 months

Patients

* Cognitively impaired as demonstrated by (Blessed Orientation- Memory- Concentration (BOMC) score of ≥ 11
* Per research staff judgment and/or self-report, too ill or weak to complete study procedures
* Per medical record or self-report, receiving hospice care at the time of enrollment

Where this trial is running

New York, New York and 1 other locations

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.
Conditions Lymphoma, B-CellLymphomaLarge-cell LymphomaLarge B-cell LymphomaDLBCL - Diffuse Large B Cell LymphomaMediastinal B-Cell Diffuse Large Cell Lymphomaoncologisthemotologic oncologist
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.