Comparing Specialty and Oncology-Delivered Palliative Care to Improve Quality of Life for Adults with High-Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying whether primary palliative care provided by trained oncology clinicians is a viable alternative to specialty palliative care teams for improving quality of life, symptoms, mood, coping, and end-of-life outcomes in patients with acute myeloid leukemia AML. This research focuses on patients newly diagnosed with AML, who face sudden and serious illness requiring urgent hospitalization and chemotherapy. The study aims to determine which care approach better supports patients and their caregivers during this challenging time. Participants will receive either specialty palliative care, involving both oncology and palliative care clinicians during hospital stays, or primary palliative care, where oncology clinicians trained in palliative care provide support. Hospitals are randomly assigned to deliver one of these care strategies, and patients will receive care based on their hospitals assignment. Both approaches aim to address physical symptoms and emotional distress experienced during treatment. Participants will complete baseline self-report assessments at the start of the study and will be monitored over time for quality of life, depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and end-of-life communication and care. Caregivers will also be assessed for quality of life, burden, and mood symptoms. The main outcome measured is the patients quality of life over 12 weeks. The study includes follow-up during hospitalization and tracks both patient and caregiver experiences to understand the impact of the care models. The trial is sponsored by Massachusetts General Hospital and runs until April 2029.

Specialty Compared to Oncology Delivered Palliative Care for Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia