Adapting the Tumor Board Model for Mental Illness and Cancer

Launched by MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · Apr 26, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new way to support patients who have both serious mental illnesses and a recent cancer diagnosis. Specifically, it tests a virtual tumor board, which is a group of doctors and mental health professionals who meet online to discuss and plan care for these patients. The goal is to see if this approach can improve patient care, help manage psychiatric symptoms, and boost the confidence of healthcare providers in treating these complex cases.

To participate in the trial, you need to be at least 18 years old, speak English well, and have a confirmed diagnosis of a serious mental illness like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression, along with a new diagnosis of certain types of cancer (like breast, lung, or gastrointestinal cancer). You also need to have seen a cancer specialist within the last two months. Participants will engage in the virtual meetings and will have their experiences and outcomes closely monitored throughout the study. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a better understanding of how to help individuals facing both mental health challenges and cancer.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Age ≥ 18 years old
• • 2. Verbal fluency in English
• • 3. SMI (schizophrenia spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder with either prior psychiatric hospitalization, history of suicide attempt/suicidal ideation, Medicaid insurance, and/or comorbid alcohol or opioid use disorder) confirmed by diagnostic evaluation of study psychiatrist
• • 4. New invasive stage I-IV breast, lung, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, or head and neck cancer (highly suspected or confirmed according to documentation by the oncologist or pathology)
• • 5. Oncology consultation at or referral to a MGH Danvers within the past 8 weeks
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Have cognitive impairment severe enough to interfere with completing brief study assessments or providing informed consent and does not have a guardian who can provide consent
• • 2. Recurrence of same cancer type
• • 3. Do not have verbal fluency in English