Geriatric Assessment and Management for Older Adults Undergoing Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer and Their Family Caregivers

Summary

This clinical trial compares the effect of geriatric assessment (GA)-based management of supportive care to usual care in treating older patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy for head and neck cancer and their family caregivers (FCG). At least one quarter of head and neck cancers patients are diagnosed at age 70 or older. Treatment for head and neck cancers usually include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Older adults are often at higher risk for functional problems, and may experience more side effects. In addition, there may be a lack of support mechanisms in place to address the needs of these older patients. Cancer not only affects the patients but the entire family, especially the family member who is the caregiver. Currently, all patients over 65 receive the same standard of care based on national guidelines, which include supportive care referrals. However, data suggests, that many patients may need more frequent and structured support. The Practical Geriatric Assessment (PGA) is a complete examination including evaluation of the physical and mental function as well as the emotional state of the older patient. PGA-based supportive care interventions may be safe, tolerable, and/or effective in managing treatment-related side effects and improving quality of life compared to usual care in older patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy for head and neck cancer and their FCG.

Conditions

• Localized Head and Neck Carcinoma

Interventions

OTHER

Best Practice

Receive usual care

OTHER

Electronic Health Record Review

Ancillary studies

BEHAVIORAL

Health Communication

Shared with treating oncology

OTHER

Interview

Ancillary studies

OTHER

Office Visit

Attend regular clinical visits

OTHER

Practical Geriatric Assessment

Undergo PGA

OTHER

Questionnaire Administration

Ancillary studies

OTHER

Referral

Receive referrals to resources and programs

OTHER

Referral

Receive referrals to supportive care services

OTHER

Supportive Care

Receive referrals to supportive care services

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Cancer Institute (NCI)

  collaborator NIH

• City of Hope Medical Center

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Arya Amini · City of Hope Medical Center

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-07-09

Primary Completion

2027-11-24

Completion

2027-11-24

Countries

• United States

Study Locations