Palliative Care Consultation to Improve Communication for Patients Considering Surgery for a Pancreatic Neoplasm

Launched by FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER · Aug 7, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how a special type of care called palliative care can help improve communication between doctors and patients who are thinking about surgery for pancreatic tumors. Palliative care focuses on providing support and improving quality of life, especially when dealing with serious health issues. The goal of the trial is to see if having a palliative care consultation can help patients make better decisions and feel more comfortable with their treatment options, given that pancreatic surgery can have complications that affect daily living.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must be adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of a pancreatic tumor. They should be able to read, write, and speak in English and have the ability to understand and make decisions about their care. However, patients with advanced pancreatic cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, or those who are currently receiving palliative care, cannot participate. The trial is not yet recruiting participants, but once it starts, those who join can expect to receive support and guidance through the decision-making process related to their surgery options.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults (18 years or older)
• • Pancreatic neoplasm pathology
• • Ability to read, write, and speak in English
• • Has decisional capacity
• • Expected to be seen and discussed at PCSC and seeing a surgeon as part of their tumor board evaluation
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Metastatic pancreatic neoplasm
• • Currently incarcerated
• • Currently is or previously has received palliative care, or are unwilling to forego palliative care for the first 90 days post randomization
• • Evidence of any behavior, condition, or circumstance (including, but not limited to: blindness, deafness, serious behavior or mental health conditions, discontinuing curative treatment, lack of access to technology, etc) that would interfere with their ability to complete study procedures as noted within the chart