CompletedNot Applicable

Ringing a Bell on the Final Day of Radiation Therapy in Improving the Memory of Distress in Cancer Patients

United States82 participantsStarted 2016-08-15

Plain-language summary

This clinical trial studies how well ringing a bell on the final day of radiation therapy works in improving the memory of distress in cancer patients. Ringing a bell on the final day of radiation therapy may improve the memory of how painful the treatment was.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of cancer * Definitive radiation treatment with or without concurrent chemotherapy with curative intent; treatment prior to radiation therapy is acceptable (e.g. surgery, chemotherapy) * Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent; consents will be provided in English or Spanish * Able to speak English or Spanish (questionnaires will be in English and Spanish) Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with either a malignant central nervous system (CNS)-primary cancer or with brain metastases; patients do not need to undergo brain imaging unless indicated per standard workup and management (e.g. advanced stage lung cancer receiving definitive therapy) * Patients who will be receiving surgery or adjuvant chemotherapy within 1 month following radiation treatment * Patients with widespread metastatic disease (\> 3 distant metastases); patients with oligometastatic disease (=\< 3 distant metastases) are allowed only if they are receiving definitive (curative) radiation therapy (RT) with or without chemotherapy

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Distress memory scales as assessed by the 11-point Numeric Rating Scale

Timeframe: Up to 7 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02970617

SponsorUniversity of Southern California

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2018-11-15

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Distress trials

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.