Unrestricted cash payments for early-stage cancer patients to help with costs
Official title: Preventing Financial Adversity Among Early-Stage Cancer Patients Through Unrestricted Cash (PAYMENT) Pilot Study
Run by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NCT06771739 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether giving a monthly unrestricted cash card to newly diagnosed early-stage cancer patients with financial concerns can help with financial hardship and support their treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Bellingham, Washington and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | October 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06771739 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (18+) with non-metastatic or early-stage solid tumors starting or resuming curative-intent treatment, who are English-speaking, not on Medicaid, not in hospice, and demonstrate financial fragility.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without financial hardship or those not influenced by cash assistance for their care may not see a direct benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study randomizes eligible adults with non-metastatic or early-stage solid tumors to receive either $1,000 or $100 per month for three months via a preloaded cash card. The goal is to see if this financial support affects financial hardship, quality of life, and clinical outcomes during treatment and in follow-up. Researchers will review medical records, conduct interviews, and administer surveys to assess financial and health-related effects. Participants are followed for three and six months after randomization to monitor outcomes and resource use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reduced financial stress and improved ability to continue and complete cancer treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests financial support can influence treatment adherence and well-being, but this exact unrestricted cash approach in early-stage cancer patients is exploratory.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age \>= 18 * Ability to understand English * Ability to understand and willingness to sign a written informed consent document. Legally authorized representatives may sign and give informed consent on behalf of study participants * Within 90 days of a non-metastatic or early-stage solid tumor receiving or rescheduled to receive treatment in the neoadjuvant, adjuvant or definitive setting for curative intent. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) 0-2 * Current cancer patient at PeaceHealth (Southwest Medical Center or St. Joes) * Not current Medicaid enrollee * Not enrolled in hospice * Screens positive for financial fragility
Where it's running
-
PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center
Longview, Washington, United States Recruiting -
PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center
Vancouver, Washington, United States Recruiting -
PeaceHealth Saint Joseph Medical Center
Bellingham, Washington, United States Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Veena Shankaran, MD — Fred Hutch/University of Washington Cancer Consortium
- Study coordinator: Ari Bell-Brown
- Email: abellbro@fredhutch.org
- Phone: 206-667-7624
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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.