Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Benefits of Early Collaboration Between Oncologists and Palliative Care Physicians in Cases of Unplanned Hospitalization for Patients With Metastatic Cancer

This study explores how helping people with advanced cancer get support from palliative care doctors early on can make a difference. It focuses on patients with advanced digestive, gynaecological, ENT, or sarcoma cancers who are suddenly admitted to hospital and are already receiving treatment that can't cure them. The main idea is to see if bringing in palliative care specialists sooner, alongside their usual cancer care, can lead to less aggressive treatments when they might not be needed. Researchers are also checking whether this approach affects things like quality of life, anxiety, depression, and overall health, while also looking at the financial aspects and how different doctors work together.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Oscar Lambret

Enrolment target

493

Start

01 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2031

Cancer Sarcoma Metastatic Gynaecologic Cancer Digestive Cancers ENT Cancer Metastatic Cancer or Locally Advanced

What is this study about?

When someone has advanced cancer, it means the cancer has spread or is difficult to treat. Sometimes, people with advanced cancer need to go into hospital unexpectedly, perhaps because they're feeling unwell or have side effects from their treatment. This study is looking at how best to support these patients during a difficult time.

The main idea is to see if getting help from a special type of doctor, called a palliative care doctor, early on could improve things. Palliative care doctors are experts in managing pain and other symptoms, and in providing emotional and practical support. They work alongside your usual cancer team to make sure you're as comfortable as possible and that your care plan fits your wishes. This study wants to find out if bringing them in sooner, during an unplanned hospital stay, leads to better care decisions and a better experience for patients.

The researchers will compare patients who receive this early palliative care alongside their usual cancer treatment with those who just receive their usual cancer treatment. They'll be looking at various aspects, such as the overall health of patients, how much treatment they receive, their quality of life, and how they feel about their care. They'll also consider the costs involved and how well different doctors work together to plan care.

Key takeaways

The study explores the benefits of early palliative care for hospitalised advanced cancer patients.
It compares early palliative care with standard care to see if it improves patient well-being.
Focuses on patients with advanced digestive, gynaecological, ENT, or sarcoma cancers.
Aims to reduce 'aggressive' treatment when it may not be beneficial.
Looks at how this approach impacts quality of life, anxiety, and depression.
You can withdraw from the study at any point without impacting your care.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or over. You must have advanced cancer that started in your digestive system, female reproductive organs, ear, nose, or throat, or a type of cancer called sarcoma. This means the cancer has spread or is quite advanced, and you're already having treatment that isn't aimed at curing it.

Another important point is that you must have been admitted to hospital without a prior appointment – so, not for a planned treatment session. You also need to be covered by the French social security system and be happy to sign a form agreeing to take part and for your medical information to be used for the study.

However, some people won't be able to join. This includes if you are very unwell or if you're already receiving end-of-life care. You also can't take part if you don't want your medical information used for research, or if you're unable to follow the study because of your situation, location, or personal circumstances.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have advanced cancer (like digestive, gynaecological, ENT, or sarcoma)?
Are you currently having cancer treatment that isn't aiming for a cure?
Have you been admitted to hospital unexpectedly (not for a planned appointment)?
Are you covered by the French social security system?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will either receive early support from a palliative care team alongside your regular cancer care, or you will continue with your usual cancer care. The study is designed so that both groups will eventually receive the early palliative care support. The researchers will be collecting information about your health, treatments, and how you're feeling at different times during your hospital stay and afterwards. This will involve reviewing your medical notes and potentially asking you to answer some questions about your quality of life, anxiety, and general well-being. The study will not involve new medications or extra hospital visits beyond what is already part of your care. The exact duration of your participation will depend on your individual care pathway, but data will be collected over a period to understand the long-term impact.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no known immediate risks from taking part in this study, as it's about how care is organised, rather than using new treatments. The main benefit might be that patients who receive early palliative care feel better, have their symptoms more effectively controlled, and receive care that truly matches their wishes. Everyone in the study will eventually receive this type of care, so no one will miss out on it in the long run. Remember, choosing to take part is completely voluntary, and you can stop at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Centre Oscar Lambret
Verified postcode
Lille, France

Common questions

What is 'palliative care'?

Palliative care is specialist medical care for people with serious illnesses. It focuses on providing relief from symptoms, pain, and stress, with the goal of improving quality of life for both the patient and their family. It works alongside your other treatments.

What does 'advanced cancer' mean?

Advanced cancer means cancer that has spread from where it started to other parts of the body, or is in a stage that makes it difficult to cure. Treatments are often aimed at managing symptoms and controlling the cancer's growth.

Will I get different treatment if I join this study?

You will either receive early palliative care alongside your usual cancer care, or you will continue with your usual cancer care for a period before receiving the early palliative care. The study is comparing how this early support changes outcomes.

Do I have to live in France to join this study?

Yes, this particular study is being done in France and requires participants to be covered by the French social security system.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care or relationship with your healthcare team.

How to find out more

Fanny BEN OUNE

promotion@o-lambret.fr +33320295896 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.