A study investigating whether more regular, individualised dietary counselling with patients and their caregivers can improve quality of life in people with cancer and those looking after them.

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Advanced cancer; Eating-related distress; Malnutrition; Psychosocial distress; Cancer - Any cancer

• Registration Number: ACTRN12618001352291
• Lead Sponsor: Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital

Brief Summary

Not available

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Results First Posted: 1900-01-01
• Study Start: 2018-08-10
• Study Completion: 2019-04-10
• Last Update Posted: 28 October 2019

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: Completed
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 32

Inclusion Criteria

PATIENTS
Will be (1) aged 18 years or older, (2) diagnosed with advanced non curative solid tumours (+/- metastatic disease), (3) with life expectancy of at least 6 months at discretion of the treating medical oncologist, (4) at risk of malnutrition from any cause (score equal to or greater than 2 as assessed by the Malnutrition Screening Tool), (5) capable of oral food intake, (6) Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score 0-2, (7) living at home with or without a carer, and (8) able to communicate in English and fill in the study questionnaires with or without assistance.

CAREGIVERS
Will be (1) aged 18 years or older, (2) a family member (e.g. husband/wife, children, relatives), or someone who is designated to take care of the patient who visits for at least one hour per day on most days, (3) able and willing to provide regular assistance with meals and/or nutritional support at home (ideally being present for 2 or more meals a day), and (4) able to communicate in English and fill in the study questionnaires.

Exclusion Criteria

Patients will be excluded if they are (1) Completely 'nil by mouth' or participating in other types of nutritional intervention research. (2) unable to give informed consent and communicate with the study team. (3) currently under the active care of a dietitian with a follow up appointment scheduled.

In this pilot study, patients will not be excluded if they do not have an identified caregiver participating in the study, as these patients are expected to also benefit from the intervention in the feasibility trial.

Study & Design

• Study Type: Interventional
• Study Design: Not specified