Palliative Care Intervention in Improving Quality of Life, Psychological Distress, and Communication in Patients With Solid Tumors Receiving Treatment

This pilot randomized clinical trial studies palliative care intervention in improving quality of life, psychological distress, and communication in patients with solid tumors receiving treatment on phase I trials. Cancer patients experience many symptoms related to treatment and the cancer itself that can be distressing and impact quality of life. Palliative care focuses on managing these symptoms and may help patients with solid tumors live more comfortably.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients diagnosed with solid tumors who are eligible for participation in Phase I clinical trials of investigational cancer therapies * Patients who have signed an informed consent for participation in Phase I clinical trials * Able to read or understand English-this is included because the intervention and study materials (including outcome measures) are only in English * Ability to read and/or understand the study protocol requirements, and provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Patients diagnosed with hematologic (as a population distinct from solid tumors and different trials) cancers.