Unrestricted Payment Program for Cancer

Not yet recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Ari Bell-Brown

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

Disqualifiers: Metastatic cancer, Medicaid enrollee, Hospice, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

Duration: 3 months

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether cash payments to early-stage cancer patients can improve their financial and health outcomes. The aim is to alleviate financial worries by providing a monthly cash card for essentials like food, rent, or utilities. The trial includes two groups: one receives $1,000 a month, and the other receives $100. Suitable candidates are those recently diagnosed with non-metastatic cancer and experiencing financial difficulties. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to address financial challenges directly while contributing to research that could benefit future patients.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this payment program is safe for cancer patients?

Previous studies have explored programs that provide cash payments to people with cancer to determine their effectiveness. These programs offer patients a set amount of money each month for necessities like food, rent, or utilities, aiming to reduce financial stress during cancer treatment.

No safety concerns have emerged regarding cash payments. Unlike medications or medical treatments, cash payments have no physical side effects. Instead, they aim to improve patients' financial situations and quality of life. Research has shown that financial support can help patients adhere to treatment plans and reduce stress, potentially leading to better health outcomes.

In summary, no reports indicate harm from receiving cash payments. This program is considered safe, focusing on alleviating financial struggles rather than medical risks. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores a novel approach to supporting cancer patients financially during their treatment journey. Unlike traditional methods that focus solely on medical interventions, this program provides direct financial assistance through cash cards. This approach aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with cancer care, potentially improving patient well-being and adherence to treatment plans. By comparing different payment schedules, researchers hope to determine the most effective way to provide financial support, which could lead to enhanced quality of life and better health outcomes for patients.

What evidence suggests that this unrestricted cash payment program is effective for improving financial and clinical outcomes in cancer patients?

Research has shown that providing cancer patients with unrestricted cash can help them manage financial challenges, which is linked to better health. In this trial, participants will be assigned to one of two arms: Arm A, where patients receive a $1000 preloaded cash card once monthly for 3 months, or Arm B, where patients receive a $100 preloaded cash card once monthly for 3 months. Studies have found that financial assistance increases the likelihood of patients adhering to treatment plans and reduces stress. This can lead to better overall health and possibly improve survival rates. Early results from other cash aid programs suggest that even small amounts of money can significantly enhance quality of life. While specific data on cancer outcomes is still being collected, financial relief is believed to allow patients to focus more on their health rather than financial concerns. ^{1 3 4 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Veena Shankaran, MD

Principal Investigator

Fred Hutch/University of Washington Cancer Consortium

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for early-stage cancer patients who are struggling financially. It aims to help those who might skip treatment to work or pay bills, like rent and food. To join, participants must be newly diagnosed with cancer and have financial concerns.

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

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive a preloaded cash card once monthly for 3 months, with Arm A receiving $1000 and Arm B receiving $100

3 months

3 visits (monthly)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for financial and clinical outcomes post-treatment

6 months

2 visits (3 and 6 months post randomization)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Unrestricted Cash Payment Program

Trial Overview The PAYMENT Trial is testing if giving cancer patients a cash card every month with no spending restrictions helps them financially and improves their health outcomes. The study involves interviews, reviewing medical records, support services, and surveys.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Arm A (high payment schedule) Experimental Treatment 4 Interventions

Patients receive a $1000 preloaded cash card once monthly for 3 months.

Group II: Arm B (low payment schedule) Active Control 4 Interventions

Patients receive a $100 preloaded cash card once monthly for 3 months.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

583

Recruited

1,341,000+

SWOG Cancer Research Network

Collaborator

Trials

403

Recruited

267,000+

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Collaborator

Trials

14,080

Recruited

41,180,000+

Oregon Health and Science University

Collaborator

Trials

1,024

Recruited

7,420,000+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06771739

A Pilot Unrestricted Payment Program for Early-stage ... This clinical trial studies whether an unrestricted cash payment program can be used to improve financial and clinical outcomes in early-stage cancer patients ...

2. sp2.upenn.edu sp2.upenn.edu/study-by-sp2-examines-potential-of-direct-cash-assistance-for-cancer-patients-from-low-income-households/

Study by SP2 examines potential of direct cash for cancer ... The research team is using a combination of patient-reported and administrative data to determine the intervention's impact on patients in areas ...

3. acf.gov acf.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ofa/pediatric-rise-casestudy-508.pdf

Pediatric Cancer Trial Illuminates Pain Points in Public ... Pediatric RISE provides unrestricted cash support during the early months of cancer treatment to families who have a child receiving chemotherapy for a newly ...

4. med.stanford.edu med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2023/06/cancer-poverty-grant.html

Stanford Medicine-led study on income supplementation ... Melissa Bondy and David Rehkopf will study the effect of guaranteed income on cancer incidence in impoverished communities. News. Health Policy ...

5. labs.dana-farber.org labs.dana-farber.org/bonalab/sites/g/files/prcqxy621/files/2025-09/Do%20cash%20transfers%20still%20combat%20poverty.pdf

Do cash transfers still combat poverty? The study, “Baby's First Years,” found there was no difference in developmental outcomes, such as language and executive function, among kids ...

6. prevention.cancer.gov prevention.cancer.gov/clinical-trials/clinical-trials-search/nct06771739

A Pilot Unrestricted Payment Program for Early-stage Cancer ... This clinical trial studies whether an unrestricted cash payment program can be used to improve financial and clinical outcomes in early-stage cancer patients.