Physiotherapist Navigator for Cancer

Overseen By Holly Edward, PT, PhD Candidate

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: McMaster University

Disqualifiers: Physical, cognitive impairments

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 12-18 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if a physiotherapist (PT) as a healthcare guide can help people with cancer manage treatment side effects like fatigue and muscle weakness. Participants recently diagnosed with cancer and receiving treatment will either have a PT Navigator (a physiotherapist acting as a healthcare guide) to assist with these issues, or they will continue with their usual care. The trial will assess adherence to the plan and its impact on quality of life and physical health. Those who speak English, live in the community, and are receiving cancer treatment are suitable candidates. This trial could transform cancer care by incorporating regular PT support.

As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative cancer care approaches with the potential to enhance patient well-being.

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 seems focused on adding a physiotherapist navigator to your care, so you may not need to change your medication routine.

What prior data suggests that the PT Navigator is safe for cancer patients?

Research has shown that patients respond positively to having a PT (physiotherapist) Navigator in cancer care. Other studies of similar roles have found no major safety issues. The PT Navigator manages side effects from cancer treatments, such as tiredness and weakness, connects patients with other needed services, and helps set goals to improve quality of life.

Past research indicates that physical therapy in cancer care is generally safe and enhances patients' daily activities and well-being. While this study continues to explore the PT Navigator's role, using PTs in similar settings has yielded positive results without significant problems. This suggests that the PT Navigator should be a safe and beneficial addition to cancer care. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the PT Navigator for cancer care because it introduces a new way to integrate physiotherapy into the patient journey. Unlike standard care, which often focuses predominantly on direct cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, the PT Navigator is designed to enhance the overall quality of life by providing personalized support and guidance from physiotherapists throughout the treatment process. This approach aims to improve physical function, reduce treatment-related side effects, and empower patients with better management of their health during and after cancer treatment. By potentially offering a more holistic and supportive care experience, the PT Navigator could significantly improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.

What evidence suggests that the PT Navigator is effective for cancer care?

Research has shown that a Physiotherapist (PT) Navigator in cancer care can be beneficial. One study found that these navigators improve patient satisfaction and make the care process more efficient. PT Navigators assist with prioritizing care, planning exercises, and setting health goals, leading to better patient outcomes. In this trial, some participants will receive care with a PT Navigator, while others will receive usual care without this intervention. New evidence suggests that having a navigator can improve quality of life and satisfaction with care, especially for cancer survivors. Although the role of PT Navigators in immediate cancer treatment is still under study, early results are promising for enhancing cancer care. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Jenna Smith-Turchyn, PT, PhD

Principal Investigator

McMaster University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults in Canada who have recently been diagnosed with cancer and are undergoing treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy. They must speak English and live in the community. The study excludes those who don't meet these criteria.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 18 or older and have been recently diagnosed with cancer, and I am undergoing or will undergo treatment.

English-speaking

Community-dwelling

Exclusion Criteria

I have a physical or cognitive condition that stops me from doing physical tests.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive cancer treatment (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy) and are monitored by a PT Navigator for 12-18 weeks

12-18 weeks

1 assessment and 6 follow-up sessions approximately every 2-3 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4-8 weeks

Long-term Follow-up

Participants' health-related quality of life and physical functioning are assessed

20-26 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• PT Navigator

Trial Overview The trial is testing a new role called PT Navigator to help manage side effects of cancer treatment through regular assessments, referrals, and goal setting over a period of 12-18 weeks compared to usual care without this support.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: PT Navigator Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: Usual Care Active Control 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

McMaster University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

936

Recruited

2,630,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11972230/

Utilization outcomes of a cancer rehabilitation (CRNav) ... Of the 1447 screenings performed, 73.6% were recommended to receive outpatient rehabilitation (n = 1065). Among patients screened, breast cancer ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590109525000643

The Use of Physiotherapy Navigators in Acute Cancer ... Evidence on the use of PT navigators in acute cancer care settings is limited. Roles include triaging, exercise planning, referral, education, and goal setting.

3. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40186756/

Utilization outcomes of a cancer rehabilitation (CRNav) ... Conclusions: Using a CRNav in a community cancer center resulted in efficient care of patients with cancer, improved patient satisfaction and ...

4. acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3322/caac.21788

Patient navigation across the cancer care continuum: An ... Emerging evidence suggests that patient navigation improves quality of life and patient satisfaction with care in the survivorship phase and ...

5. oncologynurseadvisor.com oncologynurseadvisor.com/reports/strengthening-oncology-patient-navigation-enhances-outcomes-treatment/

Strengthening Oncology Patient Navigation Enhances ... Patient navigation plays a critical role in reducing cancer disparities and improving outcomes by addressing barriers to care, coordinating services,

6. cureus.com cureus.com/articles/381114-exploring-the-impact-of-physical-therapy-on-patient-outcomes-across-the-cancer-care-continuum-a-narrative-review

Exploring the Impact of Physical Therapy on Patient ... Cancer and its treatments frequently lead to functional impairments, physical limitations, and reduced quality of life (QOL), ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5627359/

A Focused Review of Safety Considerations in Cancer ... This report provides a focused review that synthesizes the current evidence regarding disease progression and oncology-directed treatment side effects.

8. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07045740

Study Details | NCT07045740 | Physiotherapist Navigator ... The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a PT Navigator role for individuals living with cancer receiving cancer ...

9. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/pain-research/articles/10.3389/fpain.2021.692237/full

Outcome Measures in Cancer Rehabilitation: Pain ... Specific outcome measures that apply to cancer rehabilitation include those pertinent to pain, function, quality of life, fatigue, and cognition.