About this trial
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.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
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
Disqualifiers
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
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- initial psycho-oncological contact
- Standard
Treatment groups
Sponsors and collaborators
Lindenhofgruppe AG
Lead sponsor
Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern
Collaborator
St. Claraspital AG
Collaborator
Klinik Hirslanden, Zurich
Collaborator