Summary
Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is when cancer has spread in the body, but doctors cannot find where it first started.
This study is looking at a new, more standardised way of caring for people with CUP. The aim is to see whether this approach can help doctors diagnose the cancer sooner and improve patient care.
Who can take part?
You may be eligible for this study if you:
- are aged 18 years or older
- have been diagnosed with a malignancy (cancer) of undefined primary origin (CUP)
- are able to have further tests, as agreed by your doctor
Study details
If you choose to join the study, you will receive one of two types of care:
New model of care
This is a more structured and coordinated approach, which may include:
- a set of standard tests to help find where the cancer started
- review of your case by a specialised team of cancer experts (called a multidisciplinary meeting)
- support from a dedicated CUP care coordinator at your local health service
- access to an online information and education website for patients and doctors
Usual care (standard treatment pathway)
This is the care currently provided in most hospitals and also includes support to patients, however this is less personalised than the proposed new model of care. It may include:
- support from your treating team
- written information about CUP (such as a Cancer Council booklet)
- Access to the Cancer Council helpline
Which type of care you receive depends on when you join the study and which approach your hospital is using.
It is hoped this research will demonstrate that provision of a new standardised model of care is feasible and that implementation of the new model of care may lead to faster diagnosis times and consequently better provision of care to patients with CUP.
Learn more about this study on the Peter Mac website.