Longitudinal Investigation of Cancer-related Fatigue and Its Treatment (LIFT Project)
The LIFT project is a large study in Germany focusing on cancer-related fatigue, which is an extreme tiredness some people experience during or after cancer treatment. The researchers want to get a full picture of how this fatigue is currently handled, from the perspective of hospitals, doctors, nurses, and most importantly, the patients themselves. They are looking at what support is available, what treatments are offered, and how much people know about fatigue. By gathering information from many different sources, including surveys, interviews, and a long-term study with patients, the project hopes to identify any gaps in care and suggest ways to improve how fatigue is managed, helping cancer patients feel better.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This project, called LIFT, is all about understanding and improving how cancer-related fatigue is managed in Germany. Cancer-related fatigue is a common and often overwhelming tiredness that many people experience during or after cancer treatment. It's not just regular tiredness; it can really affect daily life.
The researchers want to look at this problem from all sides. They're talking to many different healthcare professionals, like doctors and nurses in hospitals and clinics, as well as counsellors. They're also looking at different types of healthcare settings, from smaller clinics to big cancer centres, to see how they currently deal with fatigue. Most importantly, they're gathering information directly from cancer patients over time to understand their experiences, what they know about fatigue, and what kind of support they feel they need.
By bringing all this information together, the LIFT project hopes to paint a complete picture of the current situation. The goal is to find out where things are working well and where improvements are needed. Ultimately, the aim is to find better ways to help cancer patients and survivors cope with and overcome this challenging side effect, making their lives a bit easier.
Key takeaways
- This study aims to improve understanding and management of cancer-related tiredness (fatigue).
- It gathers information from patients, doctors, nurses, and hospitals in Germany.
- Participation involves completing questionnaires about your experiences and health over about two years.
- Your input helps identify gaps in care and find better ways to support future cancer patients.
- It does not involve new treatments, only collecting information about your journey.
- You can stop participating at any time without affecting your health care.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of the main patient study, you need to be at least 18 years old. You must have been recently diagnosed with certain types of common cancers, such as colon, breast (for women), prostate, lung, kidney, or some forms of leukaemia or lymphoma, among others. You also need to have received or be currently receiving specific cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, or newer targeted/immune therapies.
There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join the study. For example, if your cancer is in a very early stage (called 'carcinoma in situ'), you wouldn't be able to participate. Also, if you have had other cancers before or since your current diagnosis, you might not be eligible, with the exception of a common type of non-melanoma skin cancer.
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?
- Have you been newly diagnosed with certain common cancers (e.g., breast, prostate, lung, colon)?
- Are you currently receiving or have you received treatment like chemotherapy or radiotherapy?
- Do you not have an early-stage cancer called 'carcinoma in situ'?
- Are you able to understand the study information and participate in surveys?
What does participation involve?
If you are asked to join the patient part of this study, you would be asked to fill out questionnaires. These questionnaires would be about your background, your health, and how you are feeling, particularly regarding fatigue. You could complete these online or on paper. You would receive these questionnaires at different times: 6, 9, 12, and 24 months after your cancer diagnosis. The study would also gather information about your cancer type, treatments, and how your fatigue is screened, diagnosed, and treated from your medical records. The total duration of your participation would be for about two years from your diagnosis.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- German Cancer Research CenterVerified postcodeHeidelberg, Germany
Common questions
What is cancer-related fatigue?
It's extreme tiredness that doesn't get better with rest and can be caused by cancer or its treatments. It's much more severe than normal tiredness.
Will I receive new treatment if I join this study?
No, this study is about understanding current practices and your experiences, not providing new treatments. You will continue to receive your usual medical care.
How long will I be involved in the study?
If you join the patient part, you would be asked to complete questionnaires over a period of about two years from your diagnosis.
Will my personal information be kept private?
Yes, all your information will be handled with strict privacy and used only for research purposes, with your identity protected.
Could this study help me directly?
While it won't directly treat your fatigue, your participation will provide important information that could lead to better ways of managing fatigue for many cancer patients in the future.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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