Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Care Pathways and Disparities in Care for Older Patients With Cancer: Typology, Determinants and Effect on Prognosis ( PASSAGE )

This study, called PASSAGE, is exploring how older people (aged 70 and over) with cancer receive care in hospitals. We know that many older cancer patients also have other health problems, which can make their treatment more complicated. Often, cancer treatments are first tested on younger, healthier adults, so there's less information on the best way to treat older patients. The main goal of this research is to understand the different journeys older cancer patients take through their hospital care. By looking at their overall health and cancer treatments, the study hopes to spot common challenges and identify who might need more support. Ultimately, it aims to find ways to make sure older people with cancer get the most appropriate and effective care.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrolment target

75,000

Start

07 Sep 2024

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2028

Tumor Health Services Research Causality Geriatric Assessment Aged Cancer

What is this study about?

When people get older, their health can become more complex. For instance, many older adults might have high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart conditions alongside their cancer diagnosis. These other health issues can affect how well they cope with cancer treatments and how their body reacts to them. This study focuses on people aged 70 and over because they represent a significant portion of all new cancer cases, and their care can be quite different from younger patients.

The PASSAGE project wants to map out the typical hospital journeys of older cancer patients treated at specific hospitals in Paris (AP-HP). This means looking closely at all aspects of their care, from their first diagnosis to their treatment plans and beyond. The researchers will consider both their cancer treatment and their general health, including any other medical conditions they might have.

The main reasons for doing this research are twofold: first, to get a clearer picture of how older cancer patients are currently being treated in day-to-day hospital life. Second, the study aims to understand how someone's overall health – like whether they are frail or have multiple other illnesses – and the way their care is managed, affects their recovery and long-term health. By understanding these patterns, the hope is to find better ways to provide care.

Key takeaways

Study focuses on care for people aged 70 and over with cancer.
Aims to understand how other health conditions affect cancer treatment.
No direct patient involvement; uses existing, anonymised hospital records.
Goal is to improve future care for older cancer patients.
Looks at care given in AP-HP hospitals in Paris between 2017 and 2023.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would need to be 70 years old or older. You also need to have received a diagnosis of a solid cancer (meaning a tumour, not a blood cancer) which was recorded in your medical notes as either your main health problem or a related one.

Your treatment must have taken place at an AP-HP hospital in Paris between August 1st, 2017, and July 31st, 2023. This study uses existing patient data, not new tests or treatments.

You would not be included if you have previously stated that you don't want your healthcare information to be used for research purposes.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 70 years old or older?
Did you have a solid cancer diagnosis recorded in your medical notes?
Did you receive treatment at an AP-HP hospital (in Paris) between August 2017 and July 2023?
Have you *not* previously objected to your healthcare data being used for research?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study doesn't involve any extra appointments, tests, or changes to your current medical treatment. The researchers will be looking at existing health records from patients who have already received care. This means your day-to-day life and medical care will not be affected at all. There are no new medications, follow-up visits specifically for this study, or commitment of your time. Your personal information will be kept private and handled securely.

Potential risks and benefits

Since this study only involves reviewing existing, anonymised patient records, there are no direct risks to your health or safety. Your identity will be protected, so your medical information cannot be linked back to you personally. The main benefit is that the information gathered will help doctors and healthcare professionals understand and improve the care provided to older people with cancer in the future. By identifying what works well and where improvements are needed, this study aims to enhance treatment approaches and quality of life for many others. You have the right to withdraw your consent for your data to be used in research at any time.

Locations (1)

Henri Mondor Hospital
Verified postcode
Créteil, France

Common questions

What kind of cancer are you looking at?

We are looking at 'solid' cancers, which means tumours that grow in organs, not blood cancers like leukaemia.

Will I have to do anything differently if I take part?

No, this study only uses existing medical records. Your care won't change, and you won't have any extra appointments.

Will my personal details be safe?

Yes, all your personal information will be kept private and handled very securely. Your data will be anonymised for the study.

Why is this research important?

It helps us understand and improve how older cancer patients are cared for, especially since many also have other health conditions that can affect treatment.

Can I say no to my data being used?

Yes, if you have previously chosen not to have your healthcare data used for research, you will not be included in the study.