Targeted Palliative Care Intervention for Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer

The diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer can bring many challenges including physical symptoms, treatment side effects, and emotional stress for patients and their families. Palliative care specialists work alongside the oncology team to help patients and families manage symptoms, communicate effectively with their clinicians, and cope with the impact of living with cancer. Research has shown that when palliative care and oncology teams collaborate closely, patients often experience better symptom relief, clearer communication about their goals and preferences, improved quality of life and mood, and a stronger understanding of their illness. Caregivers also report feeling more supported and less distressed. The purpose of this research study is to learn whether a personalized palliative care program for people with metastatic breast cancer and their caregivers, called TARGET-PC, can further improve communication, symptom management, coping skills, and understanding of care. In this study, 400 patients with metastatic breast cancer and their caregivers will be randomly assigned to receive either the TARGET-PC program or enhanced usual care. Enhanced usual care includes an electronic prompt that reminds oncology clinicians to discuss and record each patient's goals and preferences for care. The study will take place at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Penn Abramson Cancer Center, and Duke Cancer Center.