What Impact Does an Initial Psycho-oncological Contact Have on People With Cancer? (NCT07544446) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
What Impact Does an Initial Psycho-oncological Contact Have on People With Cancer?
Switzerland148 participantsStarted 2026-06-01
Plain-language summary
When diagnosed with cancer, patients or their relatives may, if they wish, on the recommendation of the treatment team and/or in cases of high stress, seek psycho-oncological support.
This study investigates whether an initial consultation with a psycho-oncological specialist reduces anxiety and depression, improves quality of life, and whether patients subsequently make greater use of support services.
Participants will be randomised, meaning they will be assigned to groups at random to ensure that the results are comparable. In the intervention group, participants will receive a detailed initial consultation with a psycho-oncology specialist and standard treatment. In the control group, participants receive standard treatment. To gather results, questionnaires are administered at regular intervals (at the start, after 3 and 6 months). The study lasts a total of 6 months.
The study was developed by patients. It is being conducted simultaneously at several hospitals.
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:
* Patients with an oncological disease diagnosed within the last 3 months with planned or ongoing systemic oncologic treatment (e.g. chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy) or a planned or ongoing radiotherapy
* Patient is ≥18 years of age and legally competent
* Patients must have understood and signed the study information and the informed consent form
* Patients are willing and able to complete scheduled follow-up evaluations / questionnaires as described in the informed consent
* No previous contact with psycho-oncological services
Exclusion Criteria:
* Documented severe functional impairment according to the ECOG Performance Status (ECOG 3-4)
* Patients receiving or planned to receive treatments associated with a severe risk of toxicity (e.g., CAR-T cell therapy, myeloablative therapy)
* Insufficient language skills in German
* Inability to give informed consent
* Refusal to participate in the study, unsigned 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.