NCT07415564 · University of Arizona
Symptom Management and Survivorship Plus Coaching for Advanced Cancer Survivors and Their Caregivers
(SMSH and SMSH+)
What this study is about
The protocol will include a 10-week Symptom Management and Survivorship Handbook (SMSH) intervention to address informational needs for the management of physical and psychological symptoms, bundled with telephone delivered health coaching to address their symptom interference with physical, psychological and social functioning.
View original scientific description
The protocol will include a 10-week Symptom Management and Survivorship Handbook (SMSH) intervention to address informational needs for the management of physical and psychological symptoms, bundled with telephone delivered health coaching to address their symptom interference with physical, psychological and social functioning. The SMSH intervention, which includes both symptom assessment and management, is simple to implement, scalable, and evidence-based will be delivered to all survivors and caregivers (dyads) in this study, and will serve as an active control. In addition to the SMSH, intervention arm dyads will receive health coaching to address symptom interference and reduce social isolation. Symptom burden is more pronounced in marginalized populations such as Latina/o, rural, older age survivors and their caregivers.18-20 Many health disparities in these populations are underwritten by social isolation due to lack of access, disconnection from linguistically competent health care, mobility, and geographic proximity,21-23 and health coaching can address these issues. The specific aims of the proposed feasibility study are to determine among survivors with metastatic or stage IV cancer and their caregivers (dyads): Aim 1: Demonstrate SMSH plus health coaching feasibility (recruitment, retention, satisfaction (acceptability and appropriateness) for cancer survivors and their caregivers. Benchmarks: Recruitment 70% approached, Retention 75%, and participant satisfaction through qualitative exit interviews in week 11. Aim 2: Collect preliminary data for the intervention impact on whether the SMSH + health coaching results in lowered burden of 24 symptoms (primary outcome) over weeks 1-10, and improved HRQoL (social, physical, psychological) (secondary outcome) at week 11, compared to SMSH alone. Aim 3. Examine the enactment of self-management strategies in SMSH+health coaching versus SMSH alone. The proposed pilot trial will provide proof of concept for the SMSH coupled with a live telephone delivered health coaching intervention to improve symptom management and HRQoL for metastatic breast, GI, and melanoma cancer survivors and caregivers. By addressing physical and psychological symptoms and survivorship using scalable, accessible interventions delivered via telephone, within reach of traditionally underserved populations, the findings have the potential to lay the foundation for the dissemination and implementation of a practical solution to meet survivor-caregiver needs both locally and nationally.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Symptom Management and Survivorship Handbook + Coaching
Coaches call survivors and caregivers separately each week. In week one, they introduce themselves and the intervention, explain the 10-call structure, and help participants prioritize symptoms and set management goals. Coaches review SMSH recommendations, coach on symptom management strategies, and use techniques such as motivational interviewing and self-monitoring. Coaches remind participants that some strategies help multiple symptoms, and recommend talking to a provider if any symptom scores above 3. In sessions 2-10, coaches check in, administer a symptom questionnaire, review prior goals, and document progress, barriers, and new goals. Each session covers discovery, desired outcome, pathways, context, and design.
BEHAVIORAL
Symptom Management and Survivorship Handbook
Survivors and caregivers receive a printed Symptom Management and Survivorship Handbook (SMSH), proven to help manage symptoms. The SMSH covers 24 common cancer symptoms (like fatigue, depression, sleep issues, pain), plus lifestyle, behavior, and survivorship guidelines. For 10 weeks, an interventionist calls weekly to assess symptoms and refer to relevant handbook chapters.
Primary outcome measures
Symptom severity
Time frame: 10 weeks
Assess whether SMSH combined with health coaching reduces the burden of 24 symptoms over 10 weeks compared to SMSH alone. Symptom burden will be measured using summary severity and interference scores from the Patient-Reported Outcome Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE). Severity is rated on a scale of 0=none, 1=mild, 2=moderate, 3=severe, 4=very severe. Interference is rated on a scale of 0=not at all, 1=a little bit, 2=somewhat, 3=quite a bit, 4=very much. Frequency is rated as 0=never, 1=rarely, 2=occasionally, 3=frequently, 4=almost constantly. As outlined in the PRO-CTCAE, frequency, severity, and interference questions will be asked for each item available. If frequency is "never," severity and interference will not be asked. Summary scores for severity and interference will be derived from the toxicity index (TI) developed by Rogatko et al. for CTCAE grades and applied to the PRO-CTCAE scores over weeks 1-8. Higher scores indicate worse outcomes.
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
- for cancer survivors:
- Age 18 or older
- Diagnosed with metastatic or stage IV breast, gastrointestinal (GI), and melanoma cancer
- Able to perform basic activities of daily living
- Cognitively oriented to time, place, and person (recruiter determined)
- Able to speak and understand English or Spanish
- Access to a telephone
- Has a caregiver in any relationship role (e.g., spouse, sibling, parent, friend) who can. Inclusion criteria for the caregivers:
- Age 18 or older
- Able to speak and understand English or Spanish
- Telephone access
- Not currently treated for cancer
Exclusion criteria
- Nursing home resident
- Hospice care
- Currently receiving a symptom management intervention
Where
- Tucson, Arizona
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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 Jul 20, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations