RecruitingNot Applicable

Assessment of Cancer-related Post-traumatic Stress in Patients and Caregivers in the Year Following Diagnosis, and Identification of Their Expectations of Personalized Support - CANDYSTRESS

France350 participantsStarted 2025-04-02

Plain-language summary

The impact of cancer on the lives of patients and their caregivers is undeniable. In addition to the potentially traumatic aspects (i.e., creating a very violent emotional shock) linked to the announcement of the disease and the various stages of the care pathway (effects of treatment, announcement of a cancer recurrence), even before the onset of the disease, patients and their caregivers may have been directly or indirectly confronted with traumatogenic events (e.g., childhood abuse, sudden death). They may therefore be more likely to develop a stress-related mental disorder in their lifetime. The question of the accumulation of traumatic events, the identification of groups of people at risk of developing symptoms of distress, and the management of these symptoms is therefore crucial. In addition, the mutual influence within the patient-caregiver dyad in terms of emotional adjustment, and its evolution throughout the cancer care pathway, are key elements to be considered in these issues. The CandyStress project is based on a partnership with patients, their caregivers and carers to identify the needs of patient-caregiver dyads at risk of cancer-related post-traumatic stress disorder (Ca-PTS). Longitudinal screening for Ca-PTS in the year following cancer diagnosis will be carried out to identify the characteristics of at-risk dyads who could benefit from long-term support. The aim of this project is to identify the potential need for targeted support and the desired format of this support. This is a preliminary step in identifying needs and the context conducive to the implementation of personalized support, but in no way an evaluation of the effectiveness of an intervention.

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: Part 1. Diagnosis of Ca-PTS Patient inclusion criteria: * Male or female, 18 years of age or older, * recently (\<4 months) diagnosed with breast, gynecological, testicular or digestive cancer at the time of the announcement visit (i.e., the announcement to the patient of the treatment plan after the initial multidisciplinary consultation meeting in the cancer center - in accordance with the Cancer Plan), * with cancer requiring oncological treatment, * starting oncology treatment at the Oscar Lambret Center, * with no Central Nervous System (CNS) metastases, * with a PRONOPALL score ≤3 (favorable prognosis group, Bourgeois et al., 2017) or expected survival greater than 6 months, * who have given signed consent to participate in the study and are covered by French social security, * able to identify a caregiver (i.e., a family member, friend or other person who has helped care for them since diagnosis). * equipped with a computer or tablet equipped with a webcam and an internet connection, for the online questionnaire - the webcam is only necessary if the participant wants the IGE to be present via video on the computer, if they prefer the video to be made over the phone, in which case they must also be equipped with a smartphone enabling video calls. Inclusion criteria for caregivers: * Male or female, 18 years of age or older, * designated by the patient as their primary caregiver (i.e. "a family member, friend or other person who has helped care f…

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

PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL5)

Timeframe: measured in the month following the announcement of the cancer treatment, then 6 months and 12 months later - in patients and their caregiver

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06944262

SponsorLille University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2027-02-05

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