• Betty R Ferrell, Vincent Chung, Marianna Koczywas, Anna Cathy Williams, Denise Gallagher, Patricia Fischer, and Thomas J Smith.
• City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center.
• Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2017 Aug 1; 21 (4): 473-479.

BackgroundPatients in phase 1 clinical trials often have significant symptom burdens and quality-of-life concerns that increase as they progress along the cancer trajectory and experience drug toxicities from the clinical trial. 
.ObjectivesThe interdisciplinary intervention described is aimed at providing optimum palliative care to support patients with solid tumors participating in a phase 1 clinical trial.
.MethodsThe intervention includes a baseline evaluation using quantitative surveys, a comprehensive palliative care assessment by a research nurse based on patient baseline evaluation, and a goals-of-care discussion by the treating oncologist. The second component includes an interdisciplinary meeting where palliative care recommendations are made, followed by two patient education sessions.
.FindingsThe initial experience with the palliative care intervention suggests a need for support for this population, as well as potential benefits from integrating palliative care for patients enrolled in phase 1 clinical trials.

14 keywords...

hide…