What causes vulnerability in older adults with serious diseases and how it affects care decisions

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 prospective, multicenter observational study will enroll about 1,500 adults aged 60 and older (with specific cancer and non-cancer conditions) across Finnish university hospitals. It aims to identify causes of generalized vulnerability, see how these factors relate to time to a full palliative treatment approach, and examine their impact on overall survival and patient-reported quality of life. The study will also assess whether common screening tools for vulnerability perform well in older adults with cancer. Data collection includes imaging and clinical procedures relevant to vulnerability assessment. Results could inform more tailored care planning for vulnerable older patients facing serious illness.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Suspected or diagnosed disease
* ≥60 years old patients, except for patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantion who need to be ≥18 years old
* Cross-sectional imaging maximum 45 days prior to consenting or before the next treatment line
* Patients with cancer (other than patients with prostate cancer treated with hormonal treatment before radiation treatment): study procedures (excluding image analyses) must have been carried out maximum 1 month prior to the start of a new treatment line
* Patients with prostate cancers receiving hormonal treatment before radiation treatment): study procedures (excluding image analyses) must be carried out maximum 3 months after the start of hormonal treatment
* Patients with other conditions: study procedures (excluding image analyses) must have been carried out maximum 4 days after the start of the hospitalization

Exclusion Criteria:

* Not willing or unable to give written consent
* Patient not deemed suitable for the study by the researcher approaching the patient

Where it's running

• Tampere University Hospital
  Tampere, Finland Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Otso Arponen, Adjunct professor, MD
• Email: otso.arponen@tuni.fi
• Phone: 504106170

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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.