Clinical Trials

13/008 PEARL

Efficacy of early referral to palliative care for improving quality of life and health care resources following recent diagnosis of advanced thoracic malignancies.

Recruitment target:
113
(Final recruitment number)
Status:
Published
(Completed; manuscript in preparation. Closed to recruitment: 11/12/20)

Summary:

The PEARL study examined whether early referral for palliative care improved quality of life, cost effectiveness and quality of end-of-life care for adults who were newly diagnosed with an advanced thoracic cancer. Participants were randomly allocated (by chance) to receive either standard care referral to palliative care at the discretion of the treating oncologist, or to receive early referral to palliative care within 7 days of enrolling in this clinical trial. With the exception of the timing of the referral, the palliative care received by each group was as per standard care, with information and care provided by the palliative care team as required for each participant.

Participants were asked to complete a number of questionnaires relating to quality of life and cancer symptoms at regular time points. Carers were asked to complete quality of life and death questionnaires and an interview at regular intervals.

Clinical trial design:

Phase III randomised, controlled clinical trial

Indication:

Adults with advanced thoracic malignancy (non small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer or malignant pleural mesothelioma) that have been newly diagnosed within the last 60 days.

Intervention:

Early referral to a hospital-based palliative care service for the specified palliative care intervention while receiving standard oncological care.

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