A 60-year-old man with advanced cancer is enrolled in a phase III clinical trial. He has deteriorated significantly such that his Palliative

Question

A 60-year-old man with advanced cancer is enrolled in a phase III clinical trial. He has deteriorated significantly such that his Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) is now 30%. He continues to receive the trial medication but is experiencing significant side effects. What should the palliative care team discuss with the oncology team?

Accepted Answer

Whether continued trial participation remains in the patient’s best interests—deteriorating performance status and significant side effects suggest the trial medication may now be causing more harm than benefit

Answer

Only the trial sponsor can make decisions about discontinuation as the preferred next management strategy at this stage in the clinical context described

Answer

The patient should be withdrawn from the trial without further discussion as the preferred next management strategy at this stage in the clinical context described

Answer

The palliative care team should not interfere with the oncology team's management as the preferred next management strategy at this stage in the clinical context described

Answer

Trial medications must continue regardless of the patient's clinical condition as the preferred next management strategy at this stage in the clinical context described

Trial Participation in Deteriorating Patient — SCE Palliative Medicine MCQ