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Targeted Palliative Care Intervention for Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer

Randomized Trial of a Targeted Palliative Care Intervention for Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer

Who can join

As published by the study on ClinicalTrials.gov. "Not stated" means the study hasn't said — ask the study team.

Age
18 Years and older
Sex
All sexes
Healthy volunteers
Not accepted
Compensation
Not stated

Other requirements are listed under Eligibility below. Only the study team can confirm whether you can join.

What to expect

No one can promise a trial will help you personally — that is what the research is trying to find out.

What participation involves

Not stated in the study description — ask the study team about visits and procedures.

Compensation
Not stated
  • Study-related exams and procedures are typically provided at no cost. This is how many trials work in general — confirm the details for this study with the study team.
  • Participants are monitored closely by the research team throughout the study.
  • Some participants may receive access to an investigational treatment, which is still being studied.
  • Your participation helps researchers learn whether this approach could help future patients.

About this study

In plain language

This study tests a five-session palliative care program for adults with breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and their caregivers. Palliative care helps people manage symptoms and care needs. The program aims to help patients and caregivers talk with their care team about what matters most to them.

Many people living with metastatic breast cancer face challenging symptoms and frequent medical visits. At the same time, conversations about personal goals, values, and preferences for care may not always happen as early or as often as patients and families would like. This multi-site study will test the effectiveness of a five-session palliative care program, designed specifically for people with metastatic breast cancer and their caregivers, to strengthen communication with clinicians about what matters most in their care. The study aims to inform how palliative care services can be delivered in a more timely, personalized, and scalable way for people living with advanced cancers who have long disease trajectories, such as metastatic breast cancer.

Compensation is read from the study's own description and may be missing — always confirm with the study team.

Eligibility

Who can join

  • Patients: Age 18 or older with breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
  • Patients: Within 8 weeks of the cancer care visit when an Epic EOL Care Index score of 15 or higher was found.
  • Patients: Able to care for themselves, with a daily activity score called ECOG of 2 or lower.
  • Patients: Get cancer care at a center taking part in the study.
  • Patients and caregivers: Able to fill out forms in English or Spanish.
  • Caregivers: Age 18 or older.
  • Caregivers: A family member or friend the patient names as the main person involved in their care.

Who can't join

  • Patients: Had an outpatient palliative care visit in the past 6 months.
  • Patients: Are receiving hospice care.
  • Patients: Have another health condition that, according to their cancer care team, limits their ability to understand the study steps or agree to join.

Simplified for readability. The official criteria below are what the study team uses.

Official eligibility criteria

Patient Inclusion Criteria: * age ≥18 years * diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer * within 8 weeks of the oncology visit at which they were identified as having an eligible Epic EOL Care Index (≥ 15) * functioning independently per an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤2 * receiving their cancer care at one of the participating institutions * able to complete questionnaires in English or Spanish Patient Exclusion Criteria: * received outpatient palliative care visit within the last six months * enrolled in hospice services * diagnosed with a comorbid condition that impairs their ability to understand study procedures and/or consent for the trial as per the report of the oncology clinician(s) Caregiver Inclusion Criteria: * age ≥18 years * identified by the patient as a family member or friend who is primarily involved in their care * able to complete questionnaires in English or Spanish

Study sites (3)

MA

NC

PA