NCT04551378 · M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
The Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients and Survivors
What this study is about
The study investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the psychological, financial, physical, and social well-being of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients and survivors. AYA cancer survivors have inferior long-term survival compared to the general population, and the negative impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic may be even higher in this vulnerable group.
View original scientific description
The study investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the psychological, financial, physical, and social well-being of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients and survivors. AYA cancer survivors have inferior long-term survival compared to the general population, and the negative impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic may be even higher in this vulnerable group. The information gained from this study may provide an opportunity to determine the self-reported COVID-19 specific psychological distress in AYA cancer survivors, and may lead to the development of a targeted intervention to improve physical and psychosocial health for AYA cancer patients and survivors.
Interventions
OTHER
Quality-of-Life Assessment
Ancillary studies
OTHER
Survey Administration
Complete survey
Primary outcome measures
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) specific psychological stress
Time frame: At baseline, 6 months, and 12 months
Assessed per responses to the 12 questions pertaining to COVID-19 specific psychological stress within the adolescent and young adults (AYA) Cancer Survivor COVID-19 Survey section titled, "COVID-19 Related Distress (Emotional and Physical Reactions) and Health Behaviors.'' This survey includes both a 5-level Likert scale for the respondent's current level of concern (Not at all, A little, Neutral, A lot, Very Much), plus an ordinal 3-level scale for the respondent to rate the perceived level of change compared to before COVID-19 (Less, Same, More). Responses to individual questions will be summarized at each time point as means (for the Likert scale) and percentages (for discrete levels of change), together with 95% confidence intervals. For each question, will also summarize the percentages of patients in each group checking one of the 3 levels (Less, Same, More) indicating whether they perceived a change in that question since before COVID-19.
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
- PATIENT COHORT INCLUSION:
- Initial cancer diagnosis between the ages of 15 to 39
- Received any cancer treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center with data available in the MD Anderson Cancer Center Tumor Registry
- For questionnaire provision: confirmed alive at time of contact
Exclusion criteria
- PATIENT COHORT EXCLUSION:
- Inability to complete questionnaires in English
- Seen at MD Anderson for a second opinion or non-treatment related visit
Where
- Houston, Texas
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 Jun 2, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations