Palliative Care for Pancreatic Cancer

Overseen By Elizabeth Loggers

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

Disqualifiers: Metastatic neoplasm, Incarceration, Palliative care, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

40 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This clinical trial evaluates a palliative care consultation for improving communication between providers and patients considering surgery for a pancreatic neoplasm. Pancreatic operations have known complications that can affect quality of life. Palliative care has been shown to improve patient reported quality of life and functional outcomes. Receiving a palliative care consultation may improve communication and decision making for patients considering surgery for a pancreatic neoplasm.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on palliative care consultations for pancreatic cancer patients considering surgery.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Palliative Care Consultation for pancreatic cancer?

Research shows that palliative care can help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and enhance understanding of the illness for patients with pancreatic cancer. It is recommended early in the illness and alongside active treatment to provide comprehensive care. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is palliative care safe for people with pancreatic cancer?

Palliative care is generally considered safe and is recommended for patients with pancreatic cancer to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

How is palliative care unique for pancreatic cancer treatment?

Palliative care for pancreatic cancer is unique because it focuses on improving quality of life by managing symptoms and providing support alongside active treatment, rather than solely aiming to cure the disease. It involves early and continuous care, sensitive communication, and advance care planning, which can reduce aggressive end-of-life interventions and associated costs. ^{1 2 3 7 8}

Research Team

Elizabeth Loggers, Ph.D

Principal Investigator

Fred Hutch/University of Washington Cancer Consortium

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for patients with pancreatic tumors who are considering surgery. It's designed to see if talking with a palliative care team helps improve communication and decision-making.

Inclusion Criteria

My condition is diagnosed as pancreatic cancer.

Ability to read, write, and speak in English

I am capable of making my own health decisions.

Exclusion Criteria

I am receiving or have received palliative care, or I do not want to stop palliative care for the first 90 days after being assigned to a treatment group.

Currently incarcerated

Evidence of any behavior, condition, or circumstance that would interfere with their ability to complete study procedures as noted within the chart

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Patients receive usual care or attend a palliative care visit and undergo evaluation by a tumor board

14 days

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention

90 days

2 visits (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Palliative Care Consultation

Trial Overview The study tests whether a special meeting (palliative care consultation) can help people understand their surgical options better, by comparing patient experiences with and without this extra support.

Participant Groups

Group I: Arm II (Palliative care visit) Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Patients attend a palliative care visit over 60 minutes to discuss their illness, quality of life, fears and concerns and communication preferences within 7 days of baseline. Patients also undergo evaluation by a tumor board within 14 days of baseline.

Group II: Arm I (Usual care) Active Control 3 Interventions

Patients receive usual care and undergo evaluation by a tumor board within 14 days of baseline.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

583

Recruited

1,341,000+

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Symptom Management and Palliative Care in Pancreatic Cancer. [2018]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Pilot Trial of Early Specialty Palliative Care for Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: Challenges Encountered and Lessons Learned. [2023]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An Internal Review of Rates of Palliative Medicine Referral for Patients With Advanced Pancreatic Cancer. [2022]

4. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Symptom profiles and palliative care in advanced pancreatic cancer: a prospective study. [2022]

5. China pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Palliative care and advance care planning for pancreas and other cancers. [2020]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Integration of Specialized Palliative Care with Oncological Treatment in Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer. [2022]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Association of Inpatient Palliative Care Consultation with Clinical and Financial Outcomes for Pancreatic Cancer. [2023]

8. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Palliative care consultation and aggressive care at end of life in unresectable pancreatic cancer. [2020]