Early palliative care may boost quality of life in advanced GI cancers

NCT ID NCT02246725

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study looked at whether early contact with a palliative care unit improves quality of life for people with advanced cancers of the upper gastrointestinal tract or colorectal cancer. 108 participants were randomly assigned to either early palliative care or standard care (contact when needed). The researchers measured quality of life, anxiety, and survival. The goal is to see if starting palliative care earlier makes a meaningful difference for patients and their families.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to

If it works, this could show that early palliative care improves quality of life and possibly survival for people with advanced gastrointestinal cancers.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed study with 108 participants. The results may not apply to all cancer types or stages, and the intervention is supportive care, not a treatment for the cancer itself.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

colorectal cancer colorectal neoplasm Depression digestive system cancer Digestive System Diseases digestive system disorder digestive system neoplasm Digestive System Neoplasms intestinal cancer intestinal disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Lund University Hospital

    Lund, 221 85, Sweden