Supportive Care Models for Cancer

Recruiting at 16 trial locations

Overseen By Manali I Patel, MD MPH MS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Stanford University

Disqualifiers: Inability to consent, Moving, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

Duration: 12 months

2996 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores two methods to support cancer patients: one involves a team of health educators connecting with patients (redesigned team-based supportive cancer care), and the other uses technology to provide guidance (technology-based supportive cancer care). The goal is to determine which approach better helps patients manage their symptoms and plan their care. Patients recently diagnosed with solid tumor cancer or experiencing a recurrence, who can speak English, Spanish, Chinese, or Vietnamese, are suitable candidates for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers patients the chance to contribute to innovative cancer care solutions that could enhance their quality of life.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

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

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that both team-based and technology-based supportive cancer care are generally safe and well-tolerated. Studies have found that team-based care can improve patient outcomes by enhancing teamwork, which aids in better medication management and can reduce the risk of death. This makes it a safe option for patients.

For technology-based supportive care, digital health tools have been linked to positive effects on patient-reported symptoms, such as reduced fatigue and pain. This suggests that technology-based care is also safe for patients.

Overall, both methods have been studied and found to be safe, with no major negative effects reported. They aim to improve the well-being of cancer patients through support and education, making them promising options for those considering joining a trial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about these supportive cancer care models because they aim to enhance the quality of life for cancer patients through innovative approaches. The redesigned team-based supportive care pairs patients with a health educator for personalized guidance, offering in-person or phone discussions, which could foster a more engaged and individualized patient experience compared to standard care. Meanwhile, the technology-based supportive care leverages digital tools to deliver educational materials for advance care planning and symptom management, making it accessible and convenient for patients who prefer tech-based solutions. These models could revolutionize how supportive care is delivered, potentially improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for supportive cancer care?

This trial will compare redesigned team-based supportive cancer care with technology-based supportive cancer care. Studies have shown that team-based cancer care can improve patient outcomes, helping patients live longer and enhancing medication management. Research also emphasizes the importance of regular teamwork for effective care. Meanwhile, digital health tools, included in the technology-based supportive care arm of this trial, have eased symptoms like tiredness and pain in cancer patients. Reviews of these tools indicate positive effects on health. Both team-based care and digital tools aim to provide better support for patients during cancer treatment. ^{2 3 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for English or Spanish-speaking adults newly diagnosed with solid tumor cancers or blood malignancies. They must understand and agree to participate in the study, plan to keep their current oncologist for at least a year, and not be moving from the area soon.

Inclusion Criteria

I can understand and am willing to consent to participate.

I have been recently diagnosed with cancer.

Exclusion Criteria

Patients who anticipate moving from the area within 12 months

I plan to change my cancer doctor within the next year.

Employed by the practice site

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Participants complete a baseline interview upon enrollment during the initial consent phone contact

1 week

1 visit (virtual)

Treatment

Participants receive supportive cancer care through either a technology-based approach or a team-based approach with weekly sessions during months 1-4 and bi-weekly sessions during months 5-12

12 months

Weekly visits (in-person or virtual) during months 1-4, bi-weekly visits during months 5-12

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for health-related quality of life, patient activation, satisfaction with care, and other outcomes at 3, 6, and 12 months post enrollment

12 months

3 visits (virtual) at 3, 6, and 12 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Redesigned team-based supportive cancer care
• Technology-based supportive cancer care

Trial Overview The study compares two types of supportive care for cancer patients: one uses technology like apps or online tools, while the other relies on a redesigned team approach involving healthcare professionals.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Redesigned team-based supportive cancer care Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Patients are paired with a health educator who will discuss the same educational materials from ARM A either in person or by telephone discussions weekly during months 1-4 and every other week during months 5-12.

Group II: Technology-based supportive cancer care Active Control 1 Intervention

Patients receive educational materials to assist with advance care planning and symptom management through a technology-based supportive cancer care weekly during months 1-4 and every other week during months 5-12.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Stanford University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,527

Recruited

17,430,000+

Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute

Collaborator

Trials

592

Recruited

27,110,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The digital supportive cancer care portal was adopted by 72% of patients undergoing chemotherapy, with a high usability score of 72.3, indicating that patients found it easy to use and engage with the platform.

Patients reported significant improvements in symptom distress, quality of life, and health engagement after using the portal, suggesting that it may positively impact patient outcomes during cancer treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Supportive digital health service during cancer chemotherapy: A single arm before and after feasibility study. Fridriksdottir, N., Ingadottir, B., Skuladottir, K., et al.[2023]

Supportive care in oncology focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life throughout the entire cancer journey, from diagnosis to end-of-life care, emphasizing a patient-centered approach that includes communication with families and caregivers.

This care must be evidence-based and involve a multidisciplinary team, including various specialists, to address physical, emotional, and financial challenges, while also integrating new technologies like eHealth to enhance patient support.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Supportive care in cancer-a MASCC perspective. Olver, I., Keefe, D., Herrstedt, J., et al.[2022]

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]

E-health technologies are transforming supportive care in oncology by enabling real-time assessments and interventions, which can enhance communication between patients and healthcare professionals.

These technologies not only improve symptom management and patient engagement but also represent a shift towards patient-centered care, allowing patients to take a more active role in their treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[E-health, digitalization, or digital transformation: Impact on cancer supportive care]. Seguin, L., Tassy, L.[2022]

Cancer clinicians recognize the value of telephone follow-ups for providing reassurance and answering patient questions, which could potentially reduce hospital visits and ensure equitable care, especially for those in rural areas.

Despite acknowledging the cost-effectiveness of a centralized telephone support model, most clinicians preferred a local delivery system, believing that local nurses have better knowledge of their community's needs and emphasizing the importance of some face-to-face interactions with patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Localized versus centralized nurse-delivered telephone services for people in follow up for cancer: opinions of cancer clinicians. Harrison, JD., Durcinoska, I., Butow, PN., et al.[2015]

A study involving 154 cancer patients and 36 clinicians in rural Victoria, Australia, found that both groups highly accepted a supportive care screening and referral process, which effectively identified 90% of relevant patient problems.

The process not only helped patients realize that support was available (87% reported this) but also improved the rapport between patients and clinicians (72%), indicating its potential to enhance patient-centered care in rural settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cancer patient and clinician acceptability and feasibility of a supportive care screening and referral process. Ristevski, E., Regan, M., Jones, R., et al.[2022]

The D-SCAN app was found to be feasible and satisfactory for patients with advanced cancer, with 76% of participants meeting the criteria for successful symptom survey completion, which exceeded the target of 75%.

While the app increased awareness of supportive care resources among patients and caregivers, and showed high usability satisfaction, further research is needed to evaluate its actual impact on quality of life and resource utilization.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A single-site pilot feasibility randomized trial of a supportive care mobile application intervention for patients with advanced cancer and caregivers. Merz, A., Mohamed, A., Corbett, C., et al.[2022]

Teleoncology has been successfully implemented to provide cancer care closer to home for rural and disadvantaged communities, with many patients and health professionals reporting high satisfaction rates.

A single center study indicates that it is safe to supervise chemotherapy delivery remotely, and overall, teleoncology models have shown cost savings for health systems, although further research on safety is needed.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Medical models of teleoncology: current status and future directions. Sabesan, S.[2014]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11415959/

Supportive care 2030 movement: towards unifying ... Supportive care to ensure optimal quality of life is an essential component of cancer care and symptom control across the lifespan.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4438110/

Reviewing Cancer Care Team Effectiveness - PubMed Central A growing body of literature demonstrates that team-based care and efforts to optimize teamwork can reduce mortality; improve hospital management of medications ...

3. bmccancer.biomedcentral.com bmccancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12885-025-13644-9

An early evaluation of team consistency and scope ... Preliminary findings from the first of five prospective surveys highlight team consistency and role optimization as drivers of effective teamwork.

4. pcori.org pcori.org/research-results/2021/comparing-health-educator-versus-technology-based-delivery-supportive-cancer-care-adults-cancer

Comparing Health Educator Versus Technology-based ... This study compares the effectiveness of supportive cancer care delivered by a health educator added to the cancer team versus technology-based education.

5. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/supportive-care-models-for-cancer-0ba3f

Supportive Care Models for Cancer This cluster-randomized comparative effectiveness trial compares a technology-based supportive cancer care (SCC) approach with a redesigned team-based ...

6. ascopubs.org ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2023.41.16_suppl.1528

Team-based versus technology-based supportive cancer ... Team-based approaches are considered more effective, but barriers such as staffing and funding may inhibit the scalability.

7. news.utexas.edu news.utexas.edu/2025/10/15/new-technology-data-drive-advancements-in-breast-cancer-care/

New Technology, Data Drive Advancements in Breast Cancer ... This highly advanced model will help with everything from locating tumors to training surgeons and designing post-mastectomy recovery clothes.

8. ascopubs.org ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2023.41.16_suppl.e13617

Comparative effectiveness trial of two supportive cancer ... This 24-clinic cluster-randomized trial (NCT05297734) will evaluate whether a team-based SCC delivery approach using community health workers more effectively ...