NCT06129903 · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Study Assessing the Effects of Early Psychiatric Referral on Mental Health and Quality of Life in People With Sarcoma
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of early access to mental healthcare during sarcoma treatment as well as to assess the association between early access to psychiatric care and depression, anxiety, postoperative outcomes, and patient satisfaction in patients undergoing surgery for musculoskeletal sarcoma.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of early access to mental healthcare during sarcoma treatment as well as to assess the association between early access to psychiatric care and depression, anxiety, postoperative outcomes, and patient satisfaction in patients undergoing surgery for musculoskeletal sarcoma.
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 ≥18 years
- Tissue diagnosis of primary bone or soft tissue sarcoma o Note: high suspicion of sarcoma on history and imaging acceptable, if reviewed and approved by the PI
- Presenting to the Orthopaedic Surgery Service
- Treatment plan includes surgery at MSK for treatment of the primary sarcoma
- No previous treatment for sarcoma
- Proficient in English
- As determined by use of the Census-LEP question
- The patient's response to the question: "How well do you speak English?" must be "very-well" for inclusion. Additionally, English must be identified as the patient's preferred language for discussing healthcare.
Exclusion criteria
- Significant psychiatric disturbance determined from self-report and/or chart review, sufficient, in the investigator's judgment, to preclude participation in the study" (e.g., underlying severe mental illness, h/o suicide attempts, or h/o psychiatric admissions) Clinical concern at the time of randomization of mental health urgency or emergency requiring evaluation; urgency and emergency will be defined as moderate or high scores, respectively, on the CSSR-S or according to the judgment of the orthopaedic physician evaluating the patient
- Note: investigators considered exclusion of patients with no or mild symptoms of anxiety and depression, however due to risk of new symptoms arising during the course of treatment, risk of underreporting, risk of under detection, and given prior data on the high prevalence of symptoms, we elected to include all patients in this pilot study.
Where
- Basking Ridge, New Jersey
- Middletown, New Jersey
- Montvale, New Jersey
- Commack, New York
- Harrison, New York
- New York, New York
- Uniondale, New York
- Fort Bliss, Texas
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 15, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations