Frankford

Researchers are conducting a study to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of collecting patient-reported outcomes PROs from adolescents and young adults AYAs aged 18 to 39 who have been diagnosed with cancer. The study compares two approaches allowing participants to choose five health-related quality of life HRQOL domains they find most important Choice PRO versus completing five standard HRQOL domains selected by researchers Fixed PRO. The goal is to understand which method better supports AYA engagement and data completion. Participants are randomized into two groups. One group selects five from 15 PRO domains to complete at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, while the other group completes a fixed set of five domains at the same intervals. Questionnaires are completed online, facilitated by reminders via calls and text messages to improve adherence. The study also explores AYA preferences on how their PRO data should be shared with themselves, their families, and healthcare providers. During the study, participants complete assessments online at multiple timepoints, including baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, using a mix of computerized adaptive tests and static forms. Researchers measure feasibility based on the percentage of completed PROs and participant acceptability. The study monitors response rates, preferences, and data sharing views, aiming to enhance future patient-centered care and support in clinical trials involving AYAs with cancer.

Researchers are evaluating patients with metastatic HER-2-positive breast cancer who are receiving trastuzumab-based therapy and are at risk of heart problems. The study includes two groups one large observational group taking beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, or ARBs alongside trastuzumab, and a smaller randomized group comparing the effects of carvedilol versus no treatment. The aim is to understand the occurrence of heart issues and whether carvedilol might help prevent cardiac side effects from chemotherapy. Participants are assigned to one of three arms based on their current medications. Patients not on beta blockers, ARBs, or ACE inhibitors are randomized to either receive carvedilol orally twice daily or no study intervention. Those already taking these heart medications enter an observational arm without additional treatment. Treatment and observation continue for up to 108 weeks unless disease progression or unacceptable side effects occur. Throughout the study, participants undergo heart function monitoring with echocardiograms every 12 weeks and provide blood samples for biomarker analysis. Researchers track the time to the first sign of heart dysfunction and any cardiac events, as well as adherence to medication and side effects. The study also collects data to develop models predicting heart risk and banks samples for future research. Participant involvement may last over two years with regular assessments to monitor safety and heart health.