Perceptions of Palliative Care in Phase 1 Cancer Trials Vs 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A study of the perceptions of palliative care in cancer patients who are entering a phase 1 clinical trial
IRAS ID
189567
Contact name
Janelle Yorke
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 3 days
Research summary
The role of palliative care is evolving from a traditional model of end of life care to one of earlier intervention, with an evidence base for the benefits of palliative care on quality of life and survival now emerging. For patients with cancer this ideally demands integration of palliative care services concurrently alongside active oncology treatment. This model of care should include phase 1 cancer clinical trials which are a key aspect of oncology treatment for patients with advanced cancer who often have stopped responding to or are not suitable for standard treatment. Patients entering phase 1 trials are unique as they have advanced disease but a good level of function and there is so far a lack of research on their desire and need for palliative care. If integration of palliative care services is to be successful it needs to be relevant and acceptable to patients and a better understanding of patients’ perceptions of palliative care within phase 1 cancer trials is needed and is the aim of this piece of research. The Christie has a leading Phase 1 Clinical Trials Unit as part of the Manchester Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre and is currently developing its palliative and supportive care services within the unit.
This is a qualitative study of the perceptions of palliative care in cancer patients who are entering a phase 1 clinical trial. The study will aim to conduct single semi-structured interviews with approximately 12 patients who have been deemed eligible for participation in or have recently commenced a phase 1 clinical trial at The Christie. Participants will be recruited from the phase 1 new patient and trial clinics. The interviews will be recorded and using thematic analysis the main emerging themes will be reported. The study is sponsored by the University of Manchester.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0877
Date of REC Opinion
11 Nov 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion