Improvement of Depression in Terminal Cancer Patients

Launched by NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL · Jan 19, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how a natural product called the water extract of Gastrodia elata Blume (WGE) might help reduce feelings of depression in patients with terminal cancer. In Taiwan, many cancer patients experience not just physical pain but also significant emotional distress, including depression. The goal of this study is to see if WGE can improve both mental well-being and overall quality of life for these patients. The trial will involve 60 hospice patients, who will be divided into two groups: one group will receive WGE, while the other will not.

To participate in this study, individuals must be over 20 years old, have a diagnosis of terminal cancer with a life expectancy of less than six months, and be able to understand and respond to questions from the research team. Those who are interested can expect to undergo general health check-ups and answer questions about their quality of life and emotional state. The researchers hope that by using WGE, they can help make life a bit easier for patients facing these difficult challenges.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age \> 20 years
• • Diagnosis of terminal cancer, with an expected life expectancy of less than 6 months-
• • Patients with sufficient cognitive status to respond to the research staff's evaluation questions
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients or their families who refuse to participate
• • Patients who withdraw from the study
• • Patients who have participated in other research studies within one month before or during the trial
• • Patients with suicidal tendencies