NCT06987890 · Brigham and Women's Hospital
Practical Geriatric Assessment in Older Adults With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Undergoing Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy
(Lung-GAP)
What this study is about
National guidelines recommend that older adults with cancer undergo a special health assessment before starting cancer treatment. This type of assessment evaluates physical function, nutrition, social support, psychological well-being, medical conditions (both cancer-related and non-cancer-related), and cognitive function.
View original scientific description
National guidelines recommend that older adults with cancer undergo a special health assessment before starting cancer treatment. This type of assessment evaluates physical function, nutrition, social support, psychological well-being, medical conditions (both cancer-related and non-cancer-related), and cognitive function. The results can help doctors make better treatment decisions and determine whether additional support services-such as nutrition counseling, physical therapy, or social work-would be beneficial. Even though these assessments are recommended, they are not typically used because they need to be performed by a specialist and can take over an hour to complete. Given these challenges, a 10-15-minute assessment called the Practical Geriatric Assessment (PGA) was recently developed. The PGA can be completed by any healthcare provider and helps identify older adults who may need extra support alongside their cancer treatment. While the PGA has the potential to make geriatric assessments more accessible, the investigators do not yet know whether patients will find it useful or easy to complete. Additionally, it is unclear whether using the PGA will lead to more referrals for recommended supportive care services. This study aims to address these questions. The investigators will evaluate whether using the PGA impacts the number of patients referred to recommended supportive care services. Investigators will also evaluate how participants feel about completing the PGA, including how easy or difficult it is, and to assess the feasibility of implementing this survey on a larger scale. Finally, the investigators will use facial photographs and audio-visual data from the PGA to develop and evaluate artificial intelligence algorithm(s) to identify vulnerable patients who might benefit from additional supportive care services; namely, FaceAge, a validated deep learning model capable of estimating biological age from still facial images.
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
- Age ≥ 65 years old at time of study enrollment.
- Radiographically or pathologically confirmed stage I-II non-small cell lung cancer.
- All patients must have undergone appropriate complete imaging of their cancer consistent with the standard of care.
- Patient is expected to undergo stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)
- Able to read questions in English or willing to complete survey questionnaires with the assistance of an interpreter.
Exclusion criteria
- There are no exclusion criteria.
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
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 25, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations