Home-Based Supportive Care for Cancer

Overseen By Ryan Nipp, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

Disqualifiers: Uncontrolled psychiatric illness, impaired cognition

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 6 months

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new method to support cancer patients through home-based care. It aims to determine if remote monitoring and home care can enhance the lives of those undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will receive this new supportive oncology care at home, while the other will continue with regular care. Individuals with specific cancers, such as pancreatic or head and neck cancer, who are beginning treatment and live near Massachusetts General Hospital, may be suitable candidates. Participants must communicate in English and not have major mental health issues that would hinder understanding of the study. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative care methods that could enhance the treatment experience.

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 is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this program is safe for home-based cancer care?

Research shows that patients generally receive cancer care at home positively. Studies have explored using technology to monitor patients remotely and provide home care, helping them manage symptoms during treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Reports of serious side effects with this approach are rare. Instead, this type of care aims to improve patients' quality of life by closely monitoring their health and offering support beyond regular clinic visits.

Evidence suggests that home care can enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatment and improve patient well-being. Overall, research indicates that this approach is safe for patients. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Supportive Oncology Care at Home because it offers a more personalized and convenient approach to cancer care. Unlike traditional treatments that require frequent clinic visits, this method uses remote monitoring of symptoms, vitals, and body weight, allowing patients to receive care from the comfort of their home. This approach not only aims to improve the quality of life for patients by reducing the stress and burden of travel but also provides real-time data that can help healthcare providers make more informed decisions. By focusing on home-based care, this treatment model could revolutionize how cancer care is delivered, making it more accessible and tailored to individual needs.

What evidence suggests that this program is effective for cancer care?

Research has shown that receiving Supportive Oncology Care at Home, which participants in this trial may receive, can benefit cancer patients. One study found that patients using this approach experienced better healthcare than those receiving standard care. Another study noted that while home-based care did not reduce emergency visits or delay treatments, it could enhance overall cancer care. This type of care typically involves remotely checking symptoms and vital signs, allowing closer health monitoring. Overall, these findings suggest that while improvements might be modest, home-based care holds promise in supporting cancer treatment. ^{1 3 4 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Ryan Nipp, MD

Principal Investigator

Massachusetts General Hospital

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 with certain cancers (pancreatic, gastroesophageal, rectal, head and neck) who are starting treatment. They must live within 50 miles of Massachusetts General Hospital, speak English fluently, and plan to receive care at MGH.

Inclusion Criteria

I am undergoing treatment aimed at curing my cancer in the pancreas, stomach, esophagus, rectum, or head and neck.

Verbally fluent in English

Within two weeks of starting treatment

Exclusion Criteria

Patients with uncontrolled psychiatric illness or impaired cognition interfering with their ability to understand study procedures and provide written or electronic informed consent

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive either usual care or supportive oncology care at home, including remote monitoring and questionnaires

6 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Supportive Oncology Care at Home
• Usual Care

Trial Overview The study is testing a home-based supportive oncology care program against usual care for cancer patients undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It involves remote monitoring and home care services.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Supportive Oncology Care at Home Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The research study procedures include: * Remote monitoring of symptoms, vitals, and body weight * Questionnaires asking about demographic information (e.g. gender, ethnicity, income) and experience with cancer (e.g. quality of life, symptoms) * Data collection from medical record

Group II: Usual Care Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants assigned to the standard care arm will receive standard oncology care and attend regular clinic visits. Participants on the standard care arm will complete questionnaires from baseline up to 6 months following enrollment.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Massachusetts General Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,066

Recruited

13,430,000+

Medically Home

Collaborator

Trials

2

Recruited

370+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study of 175 participants, those receiving ambulatory home-based chemotherapy experienced significantly fewer severe adverse events like anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia compared to those receiving inpatient chemotherapy.

Patients in the ambulatory home-based chemotherapy group reported better social well-being, indicating that this treatment approach may enhance quality of life despite experiencing more common side effects like nausea and fatigue.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluation of adverse events and health-related quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer receiving ambulatory home-based chemotherapy in Thailand. Sirilerttrakul, S., Wannakansophon, N., Utthiya, P., et al.[2021]

A study involving 218 advanced non-ambulatory cancer patients found that comprehensive home treatment led to reduced need for narcotic pain relief, fewer hospitalizations, and improved nutritional status, particularly in female patients.

Home treatment was well-accepted by patients and families, and it proved to be an effective alternative to hospital care, especially for those with better performance status, while not affecting survival rates for patients with lower performance status.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A comparative assessment of home versus hospital comprehensive treatment for advanced cancer patients. Vinciguerra, V., Degnan, TJ., Sciortino, A., et al.[2017]

Supportive cancer care encompasses comprehensive assistance for patients, including pain management, psychological support, and access to therapies, which is crucial for improving quality of life during treatment.

In France, the establishment of supportive care centers in hospitals aims to enhance coordination among multidisciplinary teams, particularly benefiting patients with bone metastasis through tailored interventions like bisphosphonates and physiotherapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Supportive care for urological metastatic patients]. Lebret, T., Di Palma, M., Ripoll, J., et al.[2008]

A multicenter study involving 104 patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia demonstrated that home-based intensive chemotherapy is feasible and safe, with 67% of treatment days conducted at home using infusion pumps.

Patients reported high satisfaction with home treatment, which positively impacted their quality of life, allowing them to remain socially and physically active during chemotherapy without any unexpected adverse events.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A national Danish proof of concept on feasibility and safety of home -based intensive chemotherapy in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Nørskov, KH., Fridthjof, K., Kampmann, P., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8994404/

Supportive oncology care at home interventions Our first study is a randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of Supportive Oncology Care at Home versus standard oncology care for improving healthcare ...

2. ascopubs.org ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2025.43.16_suppl.11003

Randomized trial of a supportive oncology care at home ... We conducted a randomized trial of a Supportive Oncology Care at Home intervention versus usual care in adult patients receiving treatment with curative intent.

3. healio.com healio.com/news/hematology-oncology/20250530/athome-intervention-has-potential-to-enhance-cancer-care-delivery-outcomes

At-home intervention has potential to enhance cancer care ... The study did not find that a supportive oncology care at home intervention reduced acute care, nor did it affect treatment delays. However, ...

4. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04637035

Supportive Oncology Care at Home Post-Discharge This study is evaluating if a program that involves remote monitoring and home-based care may improve the post-discharge care of recently hospitalized ...

5. bmccancer.biomedcentral.com bmccancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12885-022-09461-z

Supportive oncology care at home interventions: protocols for ... Our first study is a randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of Supportive Oncology Care at Home versus standard oncology care for ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10417474/

Supportive Care: The “Keystone” of Modern Oncology Practice This article provides an overview of supportive care in cancer, a service that supports people living with and beyond cancer through the prevention and ...