Adapting the Tumor Board Model for Mental Illness and Cancer

Last updated: August 1, 2023
Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Urologic Cancer

Stomach Cancer

Lung Cancer

Treatment

Virtual Cancer and Mental Health Tumor Board

Clinical Study ID

NCT05837598
22-593
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

This study examines the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual tumor board for cancer and mental illness for patients with serious mental illness and a new cancer diagnosis. The study also examines the impact on patient care, psychiatric symptoms, and clinician self-efficacy in managing this population.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  1. Age ≥ 18 years old
  2. Verbal fluency in English
  3. SMI (schizophrenia spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorderwith either prior psychiatric hospitalization, history of suicide attempt/suicidalideation, Medicaid insurance, and/or comorbid alcohol or opioid use disorder)confirmed by diagnostic evaluation of study psychiatrist
  4. New invasive stage I-IV breast, lung, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, or head andneck cancer (highly suspected or confirmed according to documentation by theoncologist or pathology)
  5. Oncology consultation at or referral to a MGH Danvers within the past 8 weeks

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Have cognitive impairment severe enough to interfere with completing brief studyassessments or providing informed consent and does not have a guardian who can provideconsent
  2. Recurrence of same cancer type
  3. Do not have verbal fluency in English

Study Design

Total Participants: 30
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: Virtual Cancer and Mental Health Tumor Board
Phase:
Study Start date:
May 31, 2023
Estimated Completion Date:
May 31, 2024

Study Description

Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) experience increased cancer mortality because of inequities in cancer care. Access to mental health and cancer care remains inadequate. Virtual tumor boards have been associated with higher rates of patients receiving guideline-concordant cancer care, but these tumor boards have not been adapted for cancer and mental illness. A virtual cancer and mental health tumor board intervention has potential to increase access to psycho-oncology and oncology expertise, facilitate clinician communication, and may address barriers to cancer and mental health care. The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual tumor board for cancer and mental illness for our target population for patients and clinicians. We will also explore changes in cancer care, psychiatric symptoms, and clinician self-efficacy in managing this population. This study is a single-arm pilot (n = 30) based at a cancer center affiliate and the surrounding community. The intervention includes proactive identification using a registry, bi-monthly virtual equity tumor board focused on cancer and mental health using HIPAA-compliant videoconference that uses co-learning, assessment of barriers to cancer care, strengths, and goals of care, creating plans that identify who is responsible for next steps and patient communication, and relaying recommendations to patients and the treating oncology team.

Connect with a study center

  • Mass General/North Shore Center for Outpatient Care

    Danvers, Massachusetts 01923
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

Not the study for you?

Let us help you find the best match. Sign up as a volunteer and receive email notifications when clinical trials are posted in the medical category of interest to you.