NCT07259304 · University of Southern California
Social Health, Activity Behaviors, and Quality of Life Among Young Adult Cancer Survivors
What this study is about
This study assesses how personal relationships (such as friendships, family relationships, or romantic partners) influence the physical activity (exercise) and well-being of young adult cancer survivors. Researchers also hope to learn how social relationships change after a cancer diagnosis, and how these changes might impact important health behaviors.
View original scientific description
This study assesses how personal relationships (such as friendships, family relationships, or romantic partners) influence the physical activity (exercise) and well-being of young adult cancer survivors. Researchers also hope to learn how social relationships change after a cancer diagnosis, and how these changes might impact important health behaviors. The information provided may help researchers learn more about better ways to support young cancer patients in the future through interventions that help maintain good social relationships and health levels of physical activity.
Interventions
OTHER
Medical Device Usage and Evaluation
Wear an actigraph GT3X-BT accelerometer
OTHER
Quality-of-Life Assessment
Complete survey
OTHER
Survey Administration
Complete survey
Primary outcome measures
Rate of Change in trajectories of social health
Time frame: Baseline up to 1 year
Social health variables include the number, frequency and duration of hospitalizations, specifics of cancer diagnosis (i.e., stage at diagnosis, pertinent histology, recurrence or progression of disease), chemotherapy type, surgery related to cancer diagnosis, radiation field, immunotherapy type, and other relevant therapies related to cancer treatment. Changes in above variables will be measured using latent growth curve models to measure latent intercept (initial level), and the latent slope (rate of change) of social health variables during the course of therapy.
Rate of Change in trajectories of physical activity
Time frame: Baseline up to 1 year
Changes will be measured using latent growth curve models to measure latent intercept (initial level) and the latent slope (rate of change) of physical activity during the course of therapy.
Rate of Change in trajectories of quality of life
Time frame: Baseline up to 1 year
Changes will be measured using latent growth curve models to measure latent intercept (initial level) and the latent slope (rate of change) of quality of life during the course of therapy.
Moderation by gender
Time frame: Up to 1 year
Will conduct multi-group analyses by the categories of study moderators (e.g., gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status \[SES\], health status). The strengths of group-specific pathways to link social health and activity behaviors to quality of life will be compared using the chi-square (χ2) difference test of model fit. The log-likelihood values with (versus \[vs.\] without) the equality constraints on the group-specific pathways to determine if the strength of associations estimated in the models significantly differ by the groups of each moderator (e.g., gender: female vs. male).
Moderation effect of race/ethnicity
Time frame: Up to 1 year
Moderation effect is analyzed by the interaction between the independent variable (X), and the moderator variable (Y) in a regression model, where the endpoint is the dependent variable (Z). Moderation effect is the endpoint itself, indicated by the significance of the interaction term's regression coefficient (B3), which shows how the relationship between X and Y changes depending on the level of Z. 'X' is social health, physical activity, and quality of life. 'Y' is race/ethnicity. 'Z' is moderation effect. The strengths of group-specific pathways to link social health and activity behaviors to quality of life will be compared using the chi-square (χ2) difference test of model fit.
Moderation effect of Socio-Economic Status (SES)
Time frame: Up to 1 year
Moderation effect is analyzed by the interaction between the independent variable (X), and the moderator variable (Y) in a regression model, where the endpoint is the dependent variable (Z). Moderation effect is the endpoint itself, indicated by the significance of the interaction term's regression coefficient (B3), which shows how the relationship between X and Y changes depending on the level of Z. 'X' is social health, physical activity, and quality of life. 'Y' is socio-economic status. 'Z' is moderation effect. The strengths of group-specific pathways to link social health and activity behaviors to quality of life will be compared using the chi-square (χ2) difference test of model fit.
Moderation effect of health status
Time frame: Up to 1 year
Moderation effect is analyzed by the interaction between the independent variable (X), and the moderator variable (Y) in a regression model, where the endpoint is the dependent variable (Z). Moderation effect is the endpoint itself, indicated by the significance of the interaction term's regression coefficient (B3), which shows how the relationship between X and Y changes depending on the level of Z. 'X' is social health, physical activity, and quality of life. 'Y' is health status. 'Z' is moderation effect. The strengths of group-specific pathways to link social health and activity behaviors to quality of life will be compared using the chi-square (χ2) difference test of model fit.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Diagnosed and/or treated with cancer between ages 18-39 at USC hospitals.
- Cancer types prototypical for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) and cancer stages I-III; select patients with stage IV disease may be eligible, with approval by the principal investigator (PI) and in consultation with the treating clinician.
- Must be within three months of a de novo cancer diagnosis at recruitment and on/indicated for curative therapy (any modality). Patients may continue on adjuvant therapy throughout duration of the study.
- Patients must have anticipated survival of \>1-year at time of diagnosis.
Exclusion criteria
- Diagnosis of blood malignancies such as leukemias (these cancers have divergent treatment patterns of longer duration than other cancers and are more commonly pediatric cancers). Some early stage lymphomas with favorable prognoses may be eligible, with approval by the PI and in consultation with the treating clinician.
- Primary language other than English or Spanish.
- Inability to complete a survey and/or wear an accelerometer either per the patient or in consultation with the clinician's judgment.
Where
- Los Angeles, California
Collaborators
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 28, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations