Understanding cancer-related fatigue in survivors
Patient Descriptors Of Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study Of Cancer Survivors
This study looks at how cancer-related fatigue affects survivors and how they talk about it with their doctors to help improve communication and support.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Wake Forest University Health Sciences Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | immunotherapy |
| Locations | 3 sites (Charlotte, North Carolina and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06634381 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational pilot study aims to explore how cancer-related fatigue impacts survivors and how it is communicated with healthcare providers. Participants will include adults who have completed cancer treatment over six months ago and are experiencing fatigue. The study will involve a six-minute walk test, surveys, and virtual interviews with both cancer survivors and clinicians to gather qualitative and quantitative data. The findings will be used to create an educational visual aid to facilitate discussions about managing cancer-related fatigue.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have completed cancer treatment more than six months ago and report significant fatigue.
Not a fit: Patients currently undergoing cancer treatment or those without detectable cancer but not experiencing fatigue may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance communication between cancer survivors and their healthcare providers, leading to better management of cancer-related fatigue.
How similar studies have performed: While studies on cancer-related fatigue exist, this mixed methods approach focusing on survivor-provider communication is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ability to comply with study procedures for the duration of the study Survivors: * Written informed consent and HIPAA authorization for release of personal information * Ability to read/write, understand and converse in English without the need for an interpreter * Men and women aged ≥ 18 years at the time of consent * White or Caucasian, Black or African American, or Hispanic or Latino/a * History of at least one visit for the purpose of monitoring long term care post curative treatment at LCH and/or the Charlotte or Winston-Salem campuses of AHWFBCCC * Completed curative treatment \> 6 months ago for any cancer type, with no detectable evidence of cancer * Self-reported fatigue score of ≥ 4 on the Numerical Rating Scale Clinicians: \- Currently see oncology patients (any cancer type) for survivorship care at LCH and/or the Charlotte or Winston-Salem campuses of AHWFBCCC Exclusion Criteria: Survivors: * Continuing maintenance therapy or other cancer-related treatment (i.e. immunotherapy or hormonal therapy) * History of or current severe or untreated depression * Hemoglobin \<11g/dL at last CBC SOC lab collection * History/diagnosis of dementia * Factors or conditions, for which participation may (1) not be in the best interest or (2) interfere with study assessment results (e.g. medical comorbidities, primary brain tumor/metastases) * No access to internet/Wi-Fi Clinicians: \- None
Where this trial is running
Charlotte, North Carolina and 2 other locations
- Levine Childrens Hospital Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders — Charlotte, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
- Levine Cancer Institute — Charlotte, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center — Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dori Beeler, PhD — Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Megan Lattanze
- Email: Megan.Lattanze@advocatehealth.org
- Phone: (980) 442-4239
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.