Can smarter screening replace routine palliative care for cancer patients?

NCT ID NCT07446660

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study compares two approaches to early palliative care for people with advanced cancer. In one group, everyone gets a referral to palliative care. In the other, referrals happen only when patients report moderate-to-severe symptoms through an online screening tool. The goal is to see if the targeted approach works just as well at improving quality of life. About 650 participants will be followed for 24 weeks.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Symptom screening with targeted early palliative care (STEP2)
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could make palliative care more efficient, ensuring patients get help when needed without overburdening specialist teams.
What could go wrong: This is a noninferiority trial, so it may show that targeted care is not as good as routine care. Results depend on patient-reported outcomes, which can vary.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cancer neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ONCOLOGY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
RECRUITING

Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C1, Canada

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