Social Support for Liver Cancer

This trial explores how social resources like transportation, housing, and meal support can help people with liver cancer receive timely treatments. The goal is to determine if these resources can reduce delays and improve treatment outcomes. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will receive these social supports as part of a Social Determinants of Health Program, along with patient navigation, while the other will receive only patient navigation, which assists with scheduling and other logistical tasks. The trial seeks individuals diagnosed with liver cancer, who have limited insurance, and are planning to receive treatment. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding how social support can enhance cancer care.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on providing social support to reduce treatment delays for liver cancer patients.

A previous study found that factors like transportation, housing, and meals are important for people with liver cancer. These factors can improve health outcomes without adding medical risks. Research has shown that meeting these social needs links to better survival rates and earlier diagnosis in liver cancer patients. Providing support such as transport, housing, or meals has no known physical side effects. Therefore, this kind of program is generally considered safe and well-tolerated.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Program for liver cancer because it offers comprehensive support beyond traditional medical treatments. Unlike standard options that mainly focus on chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation, this program addresses barriers to care by providing transportation through Lyft, housing support at Hyatt House LA, and meals from Project Angel Food LA. These services aim to reduce stress and improve overall well-being, potentially enhancing treatment outcomes by ensuring patients can consistently access their medical care. By targeting social and logistical challenges, the program hopes to improve quality of life and treatment adherence for liver cancer patients.

Research has shown that social factors like transportation, housing, and meals significantly impact the health of liver cancer patients. This trial will compare two approaches: one group will receive a comprehensive program addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) with patient navigation, including transportation support through Lyft rideshares, housing support through Hyatt House LA - University Medical Center, and meal support through Project Angel Food LA. The other group will receive patient navigation only, which includes coordination of care and assistance with healthcare-related tasks. Studies have linked addressing these social factors to better survival rates and earlier detection of liver cancer. For instance, good access to healthcare and stable living conditions can lead to timely treatments and improved overall health. One study found that these social factors are connected to receiving curative treatments and reducing healthcare costs. Overall, addressing these social needs may help patients access necessary care promptly.¹³⁴⁵⁶