This multicenter, cross-sectional observational study aims to evaluate the impact of financial toxicity on caregiver burden, quality of life, and emotional distress among hospitalized adult cancer patients. Participants will complete validated Turkish versions of the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale, the EORTC QLQ-C30, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Financial toxicity will be assessed through indicators such as household income, treatment-related costs, and insurance coverage. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The study will not impose any financial burden on the participants or the hospital.
Data collection is planned between August 1, 2025 and January 15, 2026 at three tertiary centers: Etlik City Hospital, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, and Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine in Turkey. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of targeted support strategies for patients and caregivers in oncology settings.
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:
* Age ≥ 18 years
* Histologically confirmed solid organ malignancy
* Currently receiving inpatient care in the medical oncology service
* Receiving active oncologic treatment and/or supportive care
* Fluent in Turkish (reading and speaking)
* Capable of understanding and answering the administered surveys
* Signed informed consent form
Exclusion Criteria:
* ICU admission at the time of enrollment
* ECOG Performance Status ≥3 or cognitive/clinical condition preventing completion of questionnaires
* Severe cognitive impairment or psychiatric condition interfering with survey participation
* Failure to provide informed consent
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
Correlation between Financial Toxicity and Caregiver Burden Among Hospitalized Cancer Patients
Timeframe: At enrollment (single time point assessment during hospitalization)