RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Implementation of Personalized Medicine for Optimal Drug Therapy in Cancer

This study, for adults with cancer, explores how personalising medicine can improve treatment for sickness, pain, and depression. Researchers believe that a patient's genes and other medications they're taking can influence how well their cancer medicines work and if they cause side effects. The study will recommend individualised treatment plans, taking these factors into account. They will then check if these new plans lead to better results and fewer side effects over six months. The goal is to see if tailoring treatment from the start can make a big difference in how patients feel.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

Enrolment target

600

Start

01 May 2023

Estimated completion

30 Apr 2026

Nausea With Vomiting Chemotherapy-Induced Depression, Reactive Cancer Pain

What is this study about?

Imagine you're taking medicine for cancer-related sickness, pain, or depression. This study wants to find out if understanding your personal genetic make-up and checking for interactions with other medicines you're taking can help your treatment work better and cause fewer side effects. We know that everyone is a bit different, and what works well for one person might not be quite right for another. This study aims to use that individual knowledge to improve your care.

The research team will look at common medicines used for these conditions – specific antidepressants, pain relievers, and anti-sickness drugs. They will make recommendations tailored to you, based on your genetic information and any potential interactions between your medicines. These suggestions will be shared with you and your doctor. Over six months, they will then check if these personalised recommendations lead to better control of your symptoms and fewer unwanted effects.

Ultimately, this study hopes to show that by taking a more personal approach to your medication, we can make your treatment journey smoother and more effective. It's about finding the best fit for *you*.

Key takeaways

Aims to make cancer care more personal and effective.
Investigates genetic differences and drug interactions.
Focuses on medicines for pain, sickness, and depression.
Involves blood tests and questionnaires over seven months.
Recommendations for your medication may be made to your doctor.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to join this study if you are 18 years old or older and are currently receiving chemotherapy for cancer.

Crucially, you also need to be taking one or more of the specific medications the study is looking at. These include certain antidepressants (like citalopram, escitalopram, venlafaxine, or desvenlafaxine), certain pain medications (like codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, or tramadol), or the anti-sickness drug ondansetron.

However, some people cannot participate. This includes if you can't complete questionnaires even with help, or if English isn't your first language and this prevents you from taking part comfortably. Also, if you're receiving palliative care (care focused on comfort rather than a cure), you wouldn't be able to join. If you're considering the antidepressant part of the study, you wouldn't be eligible if you're taking them for reasons other than depression or anxiety (for example, hot flashes), or if you had severe depression before your cancer diagnosis.

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?
Are you currently having chemotherapy for cancer?
Are you taking specific antidepressants (citalopram, escitalopram, venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine), pain medications (codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, tramadol), or the anti-sickness drug ondansetron?
Can you comfortably complete study questionnaires?
Are you NOT receiving palliative care?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first have a screening visit to check if you're suitable for the study. If you qualify, you'll then be assigned to one or more groups depending on the specific medications you're taking. For example, one group is for those on certain antidepressants, another for specific pain medications, and a third for an anti-sickness drug.

You will have three more study visits after the initial screening over about seven months. These visits will be at about two weeks, four months (which can be done from home via a virtual meeting), and seven months. At each visit, you'll have a blood sample taken, and we'll gather some clinical information. You'll also complete questionnaires about your symptoms to help measure how well your treatment is working. Throughout, you'll continue to take your regular medications as prescribed by your doctor.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially lead to your current medications being adjusted based on a more personalised approach, which might improve how well they work for you or reduce side effects. However, there's no guarantee of direct benefit. The main risks involve the discomfort of blood draws, and the time commitment for appointments and questionnaires. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your ongoing medical care.

Locations (1)

Lawson Health Research Institute
Verified postcode
London, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of cancer patients are included?

This study is for adults with cancer who are currently having chemotherapy and taking specific medications for sickness, pain, or depression.

What is 'pharmacogenetic testing'?

This is a test that looks at your genes to see how your body processes certain medications. It helps to understand if a standard dose might be too high or too low for you.

Will my own doctor know about the study's recommendations?

Yes, recommendations based on the personalised medicine approach will be shared with both you and your referring doctor.

What happens if I feel worse during the study?

You should always discuss any concerns about your health or medications with your regular doctor. You can also leave the study at any time.

How long will I be in the study?

If you're eligible and decide to join, your participation will last for about seven months from the initial screening visit.

How to find out more

Richard Kim, MD

richard.kim@lhsc.on.ca 519-685-8500 Official trial record

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