Geriatric Assessment for Cancer Care
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether providing older adults with detailed information about their health and physical abilities aids in making better cancer treatment choices. The study will determine if awareness of their health status alters their care priorities. Participants will receive this information either early or later in the process. It suits individuals aged 65 or older who have just begun or are about to begin a new cancer treatment plan. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to research that could enhance decision-making in cancer care for older adults.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems to focus on assessing health and physical abilities rather than changing medications.
What prior data suggests that these assessments are safe for older adults?
Studies have shown that geriatric assessments are safe and beneficial for older adults with cancer. Research indicates that these assessments help doctors understand the health and abilities of older patients, guiding treatment choices and improving care. For example, a guideline from the American Society of Clinical Oncology supports using geriatric assessments to customize cancer care for older adults.
These assessments have been well-received in cancer care, with no reports of harm. They involve gathering information about a person's health and abilities through interviews and questionnaires, which are non-invasive and pose no physical risk to participants. Overall, evidence suggests that geriatric assessments are safe and useful for making informed medical decisions for older adults.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Geriatric Assessment for Cancer Care trial because it explores how sharing assessment results can impact cancer care for older adults. Unlike standard treatment approaches that may not tailor interventions based on comprehensive geriatric evaluations, this trial investigates both early and delayed sharing of these assessments with patients. The unique element here is the focus on how timing and awareness of functional and geriatric assessments can potentially enhance personalized care and decision-making, leading to better health outcomes for older cancer patients.
What evidence suggests that geriatric and objective functional assessments are effective for improving treatment decisions in older adults with cancer?
This trial will compare the effects of early versus delayed sharing of geriatric assessment (GA) and objective functional assessment (OFS) results with participants. Studies have shown that geriatric assessments can lead to better outcomes for older adults with cancer. Research indicates that these assessments enhance patient satisfaction and communication with healthcare providers. They provide a clearer picture of a patient's health, guiding more personalized and effective treatment decisions. Recent data suggest that GA-driven interventions may improve clinical outcomes, such as quality of life and understanding of treatment. Overall, evidence supports the value of GAs in helping older patients prioritize their treatment goals and make informed care decisions.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Zachary A. Frosch
Principal Investigator
Fox Chase Cancer Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for older adults considering cancer treatment. It's designed to see if detailed health and physical ability assessments help them make better-informed decisions about their care.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants complete baseline questionnaires and undergo Geriatric Assessment (GA) and Objective Functional Status (OFS) assessments
Intervention
Participants in the intervention arm receive early sharing of GA and OFS results and complete the QQ Questionnaire again
Control
Participants in the control arm complete the QQ Questionnaire without receiving GA and OFS results initially
Follow-up
Participants complete the 'Was it Worth It' (WIWI) questionnaire and review their assessment results
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Geriatric and Objective Functional Assessments
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Fox Chase Cancer Center
Lead Sponsor
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Industry Sponsor
Chirfi Guindo
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Chief Marketing Officer since 2022
Degree in Engineering from Ecole Centrale de Paris, MBA from New York University Stern School of Business
Robert M. Davis
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Chief Executive Officer since 2021
JD from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, MBA from Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Bachelor's in Finance from Miami University