Improving Communication Between AYA Oncology Patients and Clinicians: A Patient-Centered Intervention

Launched by CONNECTICUT CHILDREN'S MEDICAL CENTER · May 13, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is focused on improving communication between young cancer patients (ages 15 to 25) and their healthcare providers about important topics related to sexual and reproductive health. The researchers are testing a new tool called ReSPECT, which aims to help patients feel more comfortable discussing these sensitive issues in a supportive outpatient oncology clinic setting. This study is currently recruiting participants who are receiving treatment for cancer, such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, and who can read and speak English.

To participate, young patients must be on cancer treatment for at least two months and have permission from their healthcare team. Participants can expect to engage in conversations about their sexual and reproductive health needs with their clinicians, helping to ensure they receive the care and support they need during their cancer journey. This trial not only focuses on the patients but also involves oncologists who are dedicated to improving the way they communicate with young patients about these important topics.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • Inclusion Criteria
• • Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Patients
• In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
• • 1. Be aged 15-25 years old at time of enrollment.
• 2. Have a cancer diagnosis and currently be on cancer-directed therapy with at least one of the following:
• • 1. Chemotherapy: any anticancer drug to treat the cancer diagnosis, including immunotherapy.
• • 2. Radiotherapy: any radiotherapy to treat the cancer diagnosis.
• • 3. Surgery: any surgery to remove cancer including partial of total resections. Biopsies are not considered surgery.
• • 3. Be greater than or equal to 2 months from diagnosis/initiation of therapy, whichever occurred later.
• • 4. Be able to speak and read English
• • 5. Have permission to participate from a member of the patient's primary oncology team.
• • 6. Provision to sign and date the consent/assent form.
• • 7. Active study participation of primary oncology clinician
• • 8. Patient must have primary oncology care at Connecticut Children's Center for Cancer \& Blood Disorders of Children's Hospital Los Angeles Cancer \& Blood Disease Institute
• • Exclusion Criteria
• An individual who meets and of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
• • 1. Not currently on cancer-directed therapy.
• • 2. Unable to speak and read English.
• • 3. Insufficient cognitive functioning to complete study measures (as determined by a member of the patient's primary oncology team)
• • Pediatric Oncology Clinicians
• • 1. Be a pediatric oncology physician, clinical fellow, or advanced practice provider (including nurse practitioners and physician assistants) that provides clinical care for AYA patients with cancer