Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

MEOP - Multidimensional Evaluations in Oncological Psychiatry

2,000 participantsStarted 2026-01-30

Plain-language summary

Cancer is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, profoundly affecting patients' lives at every level, and its psychological and psychiatric impacts remain a major concern. Psychiatric disorders are frequently observed in cancer patients. Nevertheless, they were also underdiagnosed, with a consequent undermining possible interventions. Still, psychiatric disorders in cancer patients are not merely secondary complications but may actively contribute to poor oncological outcomes. The pathophysiology of cancer-related psychiatric disorders is multifactorial and is related to several neuropsychological and neurobiological factors. Specifically, the production of cytokines associated with cancer appears to play a role in the development of depression. Tumours trigger an inflammatory response that leads to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines influence central nervous system function and disrupt the regulation of the HPA axis, contributing to psychological symptoms such as depression, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and appetite loss. Moreover, psychiatric symptoms in cancer patients are often accompanied by neuropsychological alterations including deficits in memory, executive function, and attention. Compared to other individuals with psychiatric disorders, cancer patients may experience more severe cognitive impairments which can be exacerbated by cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. These treatments stimulate cytokine production by nearby non-cancerous cells and immune cells activated in response to treatment-induced cell death, thereby driving systemic inflammation. Cancer profoundly affects not only patients but also their families, who often bear the emotional and caregiving burden. Being close to a loved one with cancer can lead to significant psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, among family members and caregivers. The ripple effects of this burden underscore the need for a holistic approach to mental health in oncology. Given the background presented so far, identifying and managing psychiatric comorbidities in oncological patients and their families is crucial. This multifaceted interplay between cancer and psychiatric disorders necessitates a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to understanding, diagnosing, and treating these conditions effectively.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 75 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: * For cases: any subject affected by cancer with a comorbid psychiatric disorder (further defined as "cases") or any first-degree relative of a subject of a "case" (i.e., i.e. a fist-degree relative of a subject affected by cancer and a psychiatric disorder). These first-degree relatives will be defined as "cases-rel". * For controls: a) Subjects with cancer who will undergo a consultation in the Clinical and Emergency Psychiatry Unit of the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS but who do not show any psychiatric symptoms (further defined as "oncology-controls"); b) subjects without cancer who will undergo a psychiatric evaluation in the Clinical and Emergency Psychiatry Unit and present psychiatric symptoms (further defined as "psy-controls"); c) Subjects without cancer and with any suspected psychiatric disorder who will undergo a psychiatric evaluation in the Clinical and Emergency Psychiatry Unit and who are not diagnosed with any relevant psychiatric symptoms after the evaluation (further defined as "healthy controls"); d) First-degree relatives of "oncology-controls", "psy-controls" and "healthy controls" (further defined as "control-rel"). * Age between 18 and 75 years. * Capability of providing written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cognitive impairment or inability to provide written informed consent. * Severe unstable neurological disorders, such as traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's Disease or dementia.…

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

Psychiatric differences

Timeframe: January 2026 - January 2035

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07406113

SponsorFondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2036-01-29

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Psychiatric Disorder trials