Peer Support Program for Improving Quality of Life Among Head and Neck Patients, Connecting Throu… (NCT07664241) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Peer Support Program for Improving Quality of Life Among Head and Neck Patients, Connecting Through Cancer Trial
United States56 participantsStarted 2026-07-01
Plain-language summary
This clinical trial tests whether a peer support program is feasible for head and neck cancer patients. Social support at the time of diagnosis has been shown to improve head and neck cancer quality of life before and after treatment. However, not all patients have a strong social support system. Recent research has shown that peer support programs have the potential to address unmet social support needs among cancer patients. These programs involve cancer survivors (peer mentors) providing emotional and informational support to cancer patients (mentees) earlier in their disease course. Peer support programs may also reduce caregiver burden by providing an additional source of support for the patient. A one-on-one peer support program may be feasible for patients with head and neck and their caregivers.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 89 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:
* MENTEE GROUP: Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document
* MENTEE GROUP: Willingness to have mentor-mentee interactions with the mentor selected by Imerman Angels (documented as part of informed consent)
* MENTEE GROUP: Age 18 or older at the time of consent (upper age limit 89)
* MENTEE GROUP: Diagnosed with head \& neck cancer (all stages) and planning to receive, currently receiving or recently completed (within 12 months) active treatment OR in follow-up and reporting unmet social/support needs
* MENTEE GROUP: English-speaker
* MENTEE GROUP: Access to electronic device that can be used for communication
* MENTEE GROUP: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score less than or equal to 2
* CAREGIVER GROUP: Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document
* CAREGIVER GROUP: Age 18 or older at the time of consent (upper age limit 89)
* CAREGIVER GROUP: Caregiver of patient diagnosed with head and neck cancer who is also enrolled in the study
* CAREGIVER GROUP: English-speaker
* CAREGIVER GROUP: Access to electronic device that can be used for communication
Exclusion Criteria:
* MENTEE GROUP: Mentee must not be regularly engaging in other support programs at the start of the study intervention
* MENTEE GROUP: Undergoing active professional treatment for cognitive or emotional difficulties or neurological deficits that preclude adherence to the study protocol
* MENTEE GR…
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
Proportion of mentees meeting with their mentor match at least once