Virtual tumor board for patients with cancer and serious mental illness

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual tumor board designed for patients with serious mental illness (SMI) who have recently been diagnosed with cancer. It aims to improve access to psycho-oncology and oncology expertise, enhance clinician communication, and address barriers to care. The intervention includes proactive identification of patients, bi-monthly virtual meetings, and collaborative planning for patient care. The study will assess changes in cancer treatment, psychiatric symptoms, and clinician confidence in managing this dual diagnosis population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥ 18 years old
2. Verbal fluency in English
3. SMI (schizophrenia spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder with either prior psychiatric hospitalization, history of suicide attempt/suicidal ideation, Medicaid insurance, and/or comorbid alcohol or opioid use disorder) confirmed by diagnostic evaluation of study psychiatrist
4. New invasive stage I-IV breast, lung, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, or head and neck cancer (highly suspected or confirmed according to documentation by the oncologist or pathology)
5. Oncology consultation at or referral to a MGH Danvers within the past 8 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Have cognitive impairment severe enough to interfere with completing brief study assessments or providing informed consent and does not have a guardian who can provide consent
2. Recurrence of same cancer type
3. Do not have verbal fluency in English

Where it's running

• Mass General/North Shore Center for Outpatient Care
  Danvers, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Kelly Irwin, MD, MPH
• Email: kirwin1@partners.org
• Phone: 617-643-4453

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.