Improving Communication in Older Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers

Major Program
Supportive Care and Symptom Management
NCI Community Oncology Research Program
Research Group
Community Oncology and Prevention Trials
Sponsor
Supriya Mohile
Status
Completed
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
For more information, see ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02107443
Over 60% of cancers occur in older persons, and the number of older persons with cancer is expected to grow as the population ages. Oncology clinical trials have traditionally excluded older patients with advanced cancer and chronic health conditions. In this context, where data is limited and risk from treatment is high, older patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers must understand how cancer treatment can affect quality of life in light of underlying health status. Better communication about age-related health conditions between oncologists, older patients with advanced cancer, and their caregivers may improve decision-making for cancer treatment and quality of life. A geriatric assessment (GA), a validated set of patient-centered outcomes, has been shown to identify concerns (e.g., function, cognition) important to older persons with cancer and their caregivers. In this cluster randomized clinical trial we examined whether providing a web-generated GA summary with targeted recommendations to older patients with advanced cancer, their caregivers, and their oncologists can improve communication about age-related concerns that could affect efficacy and tolerance of cancer treatment. We also determined whether the intervention improves patient-reported quality of life and patient and caregiver satisfaction.
Intervention
Geriatric Assessment Summary, Geriatric Assessment Targeted Recommendations, Geriatric Assessment (GA)
Condition
Adult Solid Neoplasm, Lymphoma
Investigators
Supriya Mohile

See list of participating sites