Palliative Care for End Stage Liver Disease
(PAL-LIVER Trial)
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
This is a comparative effectiveness study of two pragmatic models aiming to introduce palliative care for end stage liver disease patients. The 2 comparators are: Model 1: Consultative Palliative Care (i.e. direct access to Palliative Care provider), Model 2: Trained Hepatologist- led PC intervention (i.e. a hepatologist will receive formal training to deliver Palliative Care services) Primary Outcome: The change in quality of life from baseline to 3 months post enrollment as assessed by FACT-Hep (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy- Hepatobiliary). 14 Clinical Centers across US are recruited to participate in this study.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Palliative Care for End Stage Liver Disease?
Research suggests that palliative care can improve quality of life and reduce symptoms for patients with advanced liver disease, similar to its benefits in cancer care. Although evidence is limited, early palliative care intervention has been shown to improve symptoms and encourage advance care planning for patients on liver transplant waiting lists.12345
Is palliative care safe for people with end-stage liver disease?
How is palliative care different from other treatments for end-stage liver disease?
Palliative care for end-stage liver disease focuses on improving quality of life by managing symptoms and providing emotional and practical support, rather than trying to cure the disease. Unlike other treatments that may focus on the liver itself, palliative care addresses the overall well-being of the patient and their caregivers.248910
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for patients with new or ongoing complications of End Stage Liver Disease, including liver cancer, regardless of their transplant status. They must have a caregiver willing to participate. It's not for those with a MELD score over 30 or an expected life expectancy under 6 months.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive palliative care through either a consultative model or a trained hepatologist-led model, with in-person visits at initial, 1, 2, and 3 months
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in quality of life, patient satisfaction, symptom burden, depression severity, and caregiver burden
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Palliative Care (Behavioural Intervention)
Palliative Care is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada, Australia for the following indications:
- Symptom management for various conditions including cancer, neurological disorders, and end-of-life care
- Symptom management for various conditions including cancer, neurological disorders, and end-of-life care
- Symptom management for various conditions including cancer, neurological disorders, and end-of-life care
- Symptom management for various conditions including cancer, neurological disorders, and end-of-life care