Early Integration of Palliative and Supportive Care in Cellular Therapy

Launched by ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES, CALGARY · Dec 29, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called PALS_CT, is studying the benefits of adding early palliative care to the standard treatment for patients with blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, who are undergoing special therapies like stem cell transplants or CAR T-cell therapy. Palliative care focuses on improving patients' quality of life by managing symptoms and providing support, not just at the end of life but throughout the entire treatment process. Research has shown that starting palliative care early can lead to better symptom management and overall well-being for patients and their families.

To participate in this trial, patients must have a diagnosed blood cancer and be scheduled for either a stem cell transplant or CAR T-cell therapy. They should also be comfortable speaking and understanding English, or be able to complete questionnaires with help. Family caregivers, who are close relatives or friends that support the patient, can also join in the study if they are in regular contact with the patient. Participants can expect to receive either the new early palliative care approach or the standard care, and their experiences will help improve future care for others in similar situations.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • Inclusion Criteria - Patients
• • Clinical diagnosis of hematologic malignancy with scheduled hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy
• • Ability to speak, read, and understand English or, be able to complete questionnaires with minimal assistance required from an interpreter
• • Inclusion Criteria - Family Caregivers
• • Family caregivers of patients with a clinical diagnosis of hematologic malignancy with scheduled hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy
• • A spouse, relative, or friend, identified by the patient, who either lives with the patient or has in-person contact with the patient at least twice per week. Only one family CG per patient will be asked to participate.
• • Ability to speak, read, and understand English or willing to complete questionnaires with minimal assistance required from an interpreter
• • Exclusion Criteria - Patients
• • Patients undergoing HSCT for a non-malignant hematologic condition
• • Inability to provide informed consent
• • Exclusion Criterion - Family Caregivers
• • \* Inability to provide informed consent