Questionnaire for Depression in Cancer Patients

Overseen By Rebecca Saracino, MD,PhD

Age: 65+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Disqualifiers: Severe psychopathology, Cognitive impairment, Schizophrenia, Bipolar, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to create a new tool to measure depression in older adults dealing with cancer. It focuses on understanding how cancer treatment and aging affect mood and seeks to improve diagnosis and treatment options. Participants will contribute by answering questions and participating in interviews to refine the tool. Individuals diagnosed with cancer who have experienced depression-related symptoms, such as feeling down or anxious, might be a good fit. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance mental health care for older adults with cancer.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it aims to create a specialized tool to better identify depression in older cancer patients. While current methods might not fully capture the unique experiences of this group, this new questionnaire is designed specifically for them, which could lead to more accurate diagnoses. By focusing on themes directly from patient interviews, this tool has the potential to uncover insights that other general depression assessments might miss, paving the way for more tailored and effective care.

Who Is on the Research Team?

Christian Nelson, PhD

Principal Investigator

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

Current or previous cancer diagnosis and treatment (any site and any stage)

All Phases 1,2,3- 70 years of age or older

For Phase 1b only; 50 participants ages 50-69 will also be recruited

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Phase 1

Approximately 15 depressed and 15 non-depressed patients undergo individual interviews

3 months

Phase 2

Development of questionnaire based on themes from Phase 1

3 months

Phase 3

Newly developed questionnaire is given to approximately 150 cancer patients

6 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• newly developed questionnaire
• Patient Interviews
• Pilot Testing the Draft Measure

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Cancer Patients Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

This protocol aims to design, develop and pilot test a psychometric assessment for depression in older cancer patients. The study is divided in three phases. In Phase 1, approximately 15 depressed patients (as determined clinically) and approximately 15 non-depressed patients will undergo individual interviews. In Phase 2, the team will use the themes and subthemes obtained in Phase 1 to write a set of indicators into questionnaire form. In Phase 3, the newly developed questionnaire will be given to a sample of approximately 150 cancer patients who meet the eligibility criteria. Survey results obtained from this sample of 150 patients will be used to assess internal consistency, conduct item analysis, and determine the unique content of the proposed instrument.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,998

Recruited

602,000+

Fordham University

Collaborator

Trials

21

Recruited

4,100+