Structured Personalized Oxygen and Supportive Therapies for Dyspnea in Oncology

Launched by M.D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER · Mar 20, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The "SPOT-ON" clinical trial is studying a new treatment approach designed to help patients with cancer who are experiencing shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea. This trial aims to find out if providing personalized oxygen therapy and supportive treatments can reduce the severity of breathlessness in patients with advanced cancer. The researchers are currently looking for participants aged 18 and older who are admitted to the hospital and are experiencing significant shortness of breath.

To be eligible for this trial, patients must have a diagnosis of advanced cancer, which means their cancer is either metastatic (spread to other parts of the body), locally advanced, recurrent, or considered incurable. Participants should also be able to communicate in English or Spanish. However, certain conditions may prevent someone from joining, such as severe breathing difficulties that require intensive medical support or the use of specific respiratory devices for long periods. If you or a loved one are interested in this trial, you can expect to receive personalized care and support while contributing to important research aimed at improving the quality of life for cancer patients facing breathlessness.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosis of advanced cancer (metastatic, locally advanced, recurrent, or incurable).
• • Age 18 or older.
• • Admitted to a medical floor.
• • Dyspnea intensity at rest of at least 4 on a 0-10-point NRS (where 0 = none, 10 = worst).
• • Speak English or Spanish.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Hemodynamic instability requiring active Merit Team or ICU team involvement.
• • Delirium as per clinical team's assessment in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• • Severe hypoxemia (SpO2 \< 90% despite supplemental oxygen of up to 6 L/min).
• • Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) use for obstructive sleep apnea, actively using \>10 hours a day.
• • Respiratory failure necessitating mechanical ventilation (i.e., HFNC or NIV), and planned thoracentesis within 72 hours of enrollment.
• • Patients with known pregnancy.