Project overview - Summary/contact information

Summary of the project:
Pain, depression and fatigue are subjective clinical manifestations of advanced cancer. Control of these symptoms is pivotal for quality of life of millions of palliative care patients. Pain is the most feared symptom by many patients. The prevalence of depression varies from 6-58% in palliative care patients, reflecting lack of a standardised validated methodology for its assessment in this group. Cachexia is likely to be the most important contributor to fatigue in palliative care. The magnitude of other symptoms, co-morbidities, and the high age of most palliative patients support the need for evidence-based management strategies.

Research in several areas is necessary to improve the management of pain, depression and cachexia in cancer patients. The research plan of the EPCRC presents a translational approach, focusing both on diagnosis and classification of these symptoms and conditions and understanding the underlying mechanisms. Assessment and classification of pain, depression, and cachexia (fatigue) are the basis for diagnosis and subsequent treatment. By use of modern methods of molecular biology we will increase the understanding of the role of genetic variability for pain and cachexia. European evidence-based internet guidelines will be developed by members of the EPCRC supported by an international advisory board and the European palliative care community.

Expected Results:
1 Identification of profiles of genetic markers that best predict pain treatment responses, with specific emphasis on opioids.

2 Increased understanding of the molecular basis for cachexia and identification of genetic factors that may predict the patients at particular risk.

3 Increased understanding of the value of serum parameters as an indicator of pain response.

4 Better methods for classification and assessment of pain, depression and cachexia in palliative care.

5 International, European adopted and agreed clinical guidelines for classification, assessment and treatment of pain, depression and cachexia in palliative care.

6 Guidelines available and regularly updated on the EPCRC web site, the EAPC (European Association for Palliative Care) web site, and other relevant web sites.

7 Guidelines translated and disseminated in relevant European languages.

Potential applications:
Widespread use in clinical work and research in palliative care across Europe and on other continents.

Project number:
037777 (LSH-CT-2006-037777)

EC Contribution:
2 799 910 € (Euro)

Project Duration:(months)
36

Starting date:
1^st November 2006

Instrument / Project Type:
Specific Targeted Research or Innovation Project - STREP

Coordinator:
Stein Kaasa  Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU

List of participaring people here
List of project advisors here
List of participaring centers here