Supportive and Palliative Care research group: research projects
Below is a list of research projects in the field of supportive and palliative care.
BMH - Nursing - Supportive and Palliative Care: research - Ongoing studies
Effectiveness of home care nursing in decreasing side effects and improving quality of life in breast and colorectal cancer patients receiving oral chemotherapy
Duration of the project
2 years
Funding body
Roche UK Ltd.
Members of the project
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Professor Alex Molassiotis | Principal investigator |
| Professor Chris Todd | Investigator |
| Dr Andrew Wardley | Investigator |
| Professor Karen Luker | Investigator |
| Dr Mark Saunders | Investigator |
| Dr Sarah Brearley | Investigator |
Capecitabine (Xeloda) is an oral prodrug of fluorouracil (5-FU) and used as an orally administered chemotherapy for breast and colorectal cancer. While there are many reasons for administering capecitabine, it is not known how patients cope with any toxicities within the community and what would help them to more effectively manage these. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a home care nursing programme when compared to the standard care package, for colorectal and breast cancer patients receiving capecitabine. It particularly examines the impact in terms of toxicity, anxiety and depression, and quality of life. Cost, cycles of chemotherapy completed, completed on time and with no need for dose reductions as well as utilisation of primary and hospital health services are also being assessed. This randomised trial is estimated to recruite 180 patients in total and is being conducted in a large cancer centre in the UK. 30 patients and their carers will be selected from both groups to undertake separate in-depth interviews exploring their experiences with oral chemotherapy.