Supportive Care Intervention-Pancreas

A Pilot Trial of an Embedded Collaborative Model of Supportive Care for Pancreatic Cancer

This is a pilot, randomized controlled trial of an embedded collaborative model of supportive care designed to improve quality of life and decrease use of unwanted healthcare services at the end of life for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. We will enroll 30 patients who are receiving treatment at the Hillman Cancer Center for recently diagnosed, locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma, as well as their accompanying caregivers and providers. Patients will be randomized to receive either the supportive care intervention or usual care. The purpose of this study is to refine an embedded collaborative model of supportive care and to develop protocols for recruitment, randomization, and longitudinal data collection.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients:

  • Adults (≥ 18 years old)
  • Pathologically-confirmed locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma diagnosed within the past 8 weeks
  • Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status of 0 (asymptomatic), 1 (symptomatic but fully ambulatory), or 2 (symptomatic and in bed <50% of the day)
  • Planning to receive continued care from an oncologist at the Hillman Cancer Center
  • Accompanied by a caregiver (family member or friend) at the first visit

• Caregivers:

  • Adults (>= 18 years old)
  • Family member or friend of an eligible patient

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients:

  • Unable to read and respond to questions in English
  • Not planning to receive continued care from an oncologist at the Hillman Cancer Center
  • Pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer

• Caregivers:

  • Unable to read and respond to questions in English