Not yet recruitingObservational

Phase 3a and 3b update of the gastric cancer module, EORTC QLQ-STO22

Living with stomach cancer and going through treatment can affect everyday life in many different ways. For years, doctors and researchers have used a survey called the EORTC QLQ-STO22 to understand how patients feel. However, cancer treatments have changed a lot since this questionnaire was first written, bringing new benefits and side effects. This study, led by the University of Southampton, aims to update the questionnaire so it reflects modern therapies and what matters most to patients today. Taking part is simple: you will fill out the updated draft survey and have a one-off discussion with a researcher to share your thoughts on the questions. The entire session takes between 20 minutes and one hour. There are no tests, hospital stays, or experimental medications involved, and your feedback will help improve care for future patients.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Southampton

Enrolment target

Start

31 Oct 2026

Estimated completion

31 Oct 2028

Gastric adenocarcinoma

What is this study about?

When doctors evaluate cancer treatments, they do not just look at scans and test results. They also care deeply about your quality of life. This includes your physical symptoms, your mood, how you manage your daily routine, and how treatments affect your appetite or comfort. To measure this accurately, researchers use carefully designed questionnaires.

One of the most trusted surveys for stomach cancer is the EORTC QLQ-STO22. However, it was developed over twenty years ago. Since then, modern treatments like newer chemotherapies, targeted drugs, and immunotherapies have been introduced. These treatments can cause different side effects—such as nerve tingling in the fingers and toes, changes in how much food you can manage, or bloating—that the original questions do not fully cover.

This study invites people living with stomach cancer to review an updated draft of the questionnaire. By sharing what feels relevant, what feels missing, or if any questions are hard to understand, you will help researchers build a survey that truly captures the real-world experiences of patients today. The results will be used in future stomach cancer research across the UK and around the world.

Key takeaways

A one-off questionnaire study aiming to improve how stomach cancer symptoms and treatments are measured.
Open to adults with stomach cancer who are currently having treatment or finished within the last year.
Takes between 20 minutes and one hour, with no medical procedures or new medications.
Helps ensure future clinical trials focus on the issues and side effects that matter most to patients.
Completely voluntary, with no changes or disruptions to your standard NHS cancer treatment.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with stomach cancer (stages 1 to 4). To join, you should be currently having cancer treatment (such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, or targeted drugs), have finished treatment within the past year, or be receiving supportive and palliative care. You must also be able to read and speak English (or Welsh if taking part in Wales) to complete the survey.

You cannot take part if you have not started active treatment yet, or if you had curative treatment and have been cancer-free for more than a year. The study is also not suitable for people with a second active cancer, those who took part in earlier phases of this project, or anyone already enrolled in similar quality-of-life questionnaire studies.

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.

I am aged 18 or over.
I have been diagnosed with stomach cancer (stage 1, 2, 3, or 4).
I am currently having treatment, finished treatment within the past 12 months, or am receiving supportive care.
I have already started my cancer treatment.
I can comfortably read and speak English (or Welsh if living in Wales).
I do not have another active cancer at the same time.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study is straightforward and does not require extra hospital visits or medical procedures. It involves a single, one-off session that can usually be arranged around your regular hospital appointments or done remotely.

First, you will read an information sheet and sign a consent form. Next, you will complete the draft stomach cancer questionnaire. A researcher will then ask you a few questions about your experience filling it out. They will want to know if the questions were clear, if any felt unnecessary, or if important symptoms were missed. The entire meeting usually takes around 20 minutes and will not take longer than an hour. There are no medicines to take, no blood tests, and no long-term follow-up visits.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part does not involve any medical risks or physical side effects, as you will not be receiving any experimental medicines. However, answering questions about your health and feelings can sometimes feel tiring or bring up emotional thoughts. You can skip any question you do not wish to answer, pause the session at any time, or decide to stop completely. While taking part will not change your own treatment or directly cure your cancer, your valuable insights will help ensure future cancer studies measure what truly matters to patients. You are free to withdraw from the study at any point without giving a reason, and this will not affect your normal NHS care.

Locations (26)

University Hospital Southampton
City only
Southampton, England
Salford Royal Hospital
Approximate
Salford, England
South West Wales Cancer Network
City only
Swansea, Wales
Humanitas Research Hospital
Approximate
Milan, Italy
Dept at Institute of Medical Sciences Mongolia
City only
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine
Unverified
Vilnius, Lithuania
University Medical Centre Maribor
Unverified
Maribor, Slovenia
Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa University
Unverified
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Oslo University Hospital
Unverified
Oslo, Norway
Fukushima Medial University
Unverified
Fukushima, Japan
Medical Oncology Dept Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia
Unverified
Valencia, Spain
Center for Gastric Cancer
Unverified
Seoul, Korea, South

Common questions

Will taking part change my current cancer treatment?

No. This study only involves filling out a questionnaire and discussing it. Your normal NHS care, medications, and clinic visits will carry on exactly as planned.

Do I have to travel for extra hospital appointments?

Usually, no. The session can often be scheduled around a visit you already have planned at the hospital, or carried out over the phone or online.

How long will the study take?

It is a one-off meeting that typically lasts about 20 minutes, and will never take longer than an hour. There are no ongoing follow-up visits.

What kinds of questions will I be asked?

You will be asked about common symptoms—like appetite changes, digestion, energy levels, and nerve tingling—and whether the survey questions make sense to you.

What happens if I change my mind after starting?

You can leave the study at any time. You do not need to give a reason, and your medical team will continue to look after you with the same high standard of care.

How to find out more

Amy Din

A.E.Din@soton.ac.uk +44 (0)23 8059 0735 Official trial record

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