60 Participants NeededMy employer runs this trial

Community Health Worker-Led Intervention for Pancreatic Cancer

NT
Overseen ByNikhil Thiruvengadam, MD
Age: Any Age
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Loma Linda University
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether working with a community health worker can improve the quality of life for people newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and their caregivers. Participants will either receive this support, known as PAL-CHW-PDAC, or continue with usual care, which includes standard resources like handouts and videos. The trial aims to determine if this approach helps manage symptoms and reduces the burden on caregivers. It is suitable for English or Spanish-speaking adults diagnosed with pancreatic cancer who can communicate verbally. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative care strategies that could enhance support for patients and caregivers.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this 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.

What prior data suggests that this community health worker-led intervention is safe for patients with pancreatic cancer?

Research has shown that programs led by community health workers (CHWs) are generally safe and manageable for participants. In one study involving 128 adults with cancer, participants in a CHW-led program were 62% less likely to require hospital visits, suggesting effective symptom management without harm. Another study found that this type of program is practical and well-received by patients with pancreatic cancer, indicating good manageability. These studies reported no major side effects, a positive sign for safety. The program primarily assists patients with their care and educates them about their condition, typically without physical risks.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Community Health Worker-Led Intervention for pancreatic cancer because it introduces a supportive, personalized approach that goes beyond the standard medical treatments. Unlike traditional care, which typically involves chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, this intervention focuses on enhancing patient well-being through community health worker support. These workers help monitor symptoms, improve disease education, and ensure timely palliative care, potentially leading to better quality of life and more coordinated care. This approach is innovative because it empowers patients with knowledge and support, which can be crucial for navigating the challenges of pancreatic cancer.

What evidence suggests that the community health worker intervention is effective for pancreatic cancer?

This trial will compare a community health worker-led program, PAL-CHW-PDAC, with usual care for patients with pancreatic cancer. Studies have shown that the PAL-CHW-PDAC program can help manage symptoms and improve patients' quality of life. Research indicates that this approach involves actively monitoring symptoms to address issues quickly. Initial findings suggest that community health workers can provide better support and education for patients and their caregivers. While pancreatic cancer remains a challenging disease, programs like this aim to ease the experience by enhancing care.678910

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for people who have just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and their family caregivers. Participants must be able to meet with study staff over a 3-month period and complete surveys about their symptoms and experiences.

Inclusion Criteria

I can speak English or Spanish.
I am between 18 and 90 years old.
I have been newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer or have a suspected pancreatic tumor.
See 2 more

Exclusion Criteria

My biopsy did not show pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks
1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants receive a digitally-enhanced community health worker intervention or usual care for 12 weeks

12 weeks
Several visits (in-person and virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • PAL-CHW-PDAC

Trial Overview

The study compares two groups: one gets support from a community health worker (CHW) focused on palliative care, while the other receives usual care plus educational materials. The goal is to see if CHW support improves quality of life for patients and caregivers.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Community Health Worker InterventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Attention Control with Usual CareActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Loma Linda University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
322
Recruited
267,000+

Citations

1. protocol information

The purpose of this study is to obtain a preliminary estimate of the impact of a community health worker-led intervention by understanding the variance of the ...

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial to ...

designed an intervention, PAL-CHW-PDAC, delivered by a community health worker that. 47 involves proactive symptom monitoring and management ...

The Impact of Social Determinants on Pancreatic Cancer Care ...

Pancreatic cancer is associated with a dismal 5-year survival rate. Despite the advent of more effective multimodal chemotherapies and novel ...

To Evaluate the Preliminary Efficacy of Our Digitally Enhanced ...

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a community health worker led intervention that helps facilitate palliative care works to ...

Pancreatic cancer - Diagnosis and treatment

Pancreatic cancer — Overview covers symptoms, risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy and other treatment for cancer of ...

Study Details | NCT07591571 | To Evaluate the Preliminary ...

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a community health worker led intervention that helps facilitate palliative care works to ...

Effect of a Community Health Worker Intervention on Acute ...

In this randomized clinical trial that included 128 adults with cancer, patients in the community health worker–led intervention had a 62% decreased risk of ...

A Pilot Feasibility Study Evaluating a Novel Digitally ...

Conclusions Our digitally-enhanced CHW-led intervention delivering early stepped PC was feasible and acceptable to PDAC patients. The ...

Community Health Worker-Led Intervention for Pancreatic ...

This N/A medical study run by Loma Linda University is evaluating whether PAL-CHW-PDAC will have tolerable side effects & efficacy for ...

The role of community health workers in a collaborative care ...

CHW interventions are effective at improving outcomes such as cancer screening and health behaviors. To date, most research with CHWs has been in primary ...