Trial Information

Aging and Family Outcomes in Supportive Care of Advanced Cancer Patients

We are testing a coping and communication support (CCS) intervention for advanced stage
cancer patients and their family caregivers over the period when goals of care may shift,
i.e. beginning shortly after diagnosis. This randomized clinical trial is being conducted in
two urban tertiary cancer clinics that reach patients and families in low income and diverse
underserved populations: the Louis Stokes Cleveland VAMC and MetroHealth Medical Center.
Recruitment and randomization are based on patient's diagnosis and age. The patient had to
have been diagnosed with a stage IV cancer within a year of enrollment and they must fall
into one of two age groups: middle-aged (ages 40-60); or older (61 and older). Patients are
stratified by age group and then randomized to usual care or CCS intervention. Family
care-givers are randomized along with the patient. Trained clinical nurse specialists with
advanced training in mental health serve as CCS practitioners. They are available to
patients and family caregivers on a 24/7 basis to assist with coping and communication
challenges as they may arise. The primary goal of this project is to examine main effects of
the intervention and patient age group interaction effects of the CCS intervention on
perspectives and well-being of family caregivers during advanced cancer care and in
bereavement.