Assessment of Verbal Comprehension and Cognitive Processes in Patients Admitted to the Palliative… (NCT05091632) | Clinical Trial Compass
SuspendedNot Applicable
Assessment of Verbal Comprehension and Cognitive Processes in Patients Admitted to the Palliative and Supportive Care Unit
Stopped: PI Request
United States30 participantsStarted 2021-05-04
Plain-language summary
This study investigates the use electroencephalography (EEG - a test that measures brain waves) to learn if patients who appear unresponsive (do not respond to noises, words, or touch) retain any consciousness. Families want to know if their loved ones who are unresponsive can still hear them or feel any discomfort. Information gained from this study may have important impact in how patients, caregivers, and doctors make decisions.
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
. \[Both cohorts\] Diagnosis of advanced cancer (defined as locally advanced, metastatic, recurrent, or incurable disease)
. \[Both cohorts\] Admitted to the PSCU at MD Anderson Cancer Center or seen by the specialist palliative care inpatient consultation team (control cohort only)
. \[Impending death cohort\] Clinician judgement of .3 days of survival or .1 late sign of impending death\*
. \[Impending death cohort\] Palliative Performance Scale score of 10-20%
. \[Control cohort\] Able to communicate for the past 24 hours
. \[Control cohort\] Clinician judgement of .1 month of survival
. \[Both cohorts\] English-speaking
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
1
Magnitude of electroencephalography (EEG) response to verbal stimuli among impending death cancer patients
Timeframe: Day 1 in palliative and supportive care unit
. \[Both cohorts\] Hearing impairment that significantly impacts daily communication with caregiver prior to entering impending death phase OR requiring hearing aid
. \[Impending death cohort\] Mental status changes only related to medications as per clinician judgement
. \[Control cohort\] Diagnosis of delirium (i.e. MDAS .13)