PROMISE Trial

During normal clinical appointments there may not be enough time for patients and their doctors to discuss how things are going and how they are really feeling. We are testing a new way of monitoring people during and after their cancer treatment.

The PROMISE trial involves adults starting treatment for cancer at one of four major hospitals in Queensland: The Princess Alexandra Hospital, The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Gold Coast University Hospital, and Townsville University Hospital.

Participants were randomised to complete regular electronic ‘checklists’ about their current symptoms at home before attending their hospital appointments. By having this information beforehand, the doctors will have a better understanding of an individual’s needs and what is most important for them in their ongoing treatment and care. The aim is to improve how people feel and reduce the chance that they will have bad symptoms or side-effects from their treatment.

To determine quality of life and experiences of care, all participants were requested to complete five questionnaires (in addition to electronic checklists) over two years.

Participant’s Carers were invited to take part and asked to complete five questionnaires over the two-year period to find out about their quality of life and need for support.

Scientists and clinicians

• QIMR Berghofer
• The University of Queensland
• The Princess Alexandra Hospital
• Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
• Gold Coast University Hospital
• Townsville University Hospital.

PROMISE Investigators

QIMR Berghofer

• Penny Webb
• Gunter Hartel
• Louisa Gordon.

The Princess Alexandra Hospital

• Ray Chan
• Laurelie Wishart
• Bena Brown.

Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital

• David Wyld
• Melissa Eastgate.

Gold Coast University Hospital

• Jasotha Sanmugarajah

Townsville University Hospital

• Sabe Sabesan

University of Queensland

• Rebecca Packer

Afaf Girgis

Patient Advocates

• Lis Miller
• Marty Doyle.

Co-Investigators

Gold Coast University Hospital

• Robert Mason

Townsville University Hospital

• Amy Brown

Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital

• Peter McGuire

The Princess Alexandra Hospital

• Fiona Crawford-Williams
• Doreen Tapsall
• Mark Pinkham
• Rahul Ladwa
• Kristen Russell.

Project Team

QIMR Berghofer

• Karen Martin, Project Manager
• Therese Lawton, Data Manager
• Sue O’Brien, Research Nurse
• Vicki Fennelly, Research Nurse.

Townsville University Hospital

• Georgia Slapp
• Candice Finlay.

Gold Coast University Hospital

• Jeanie White

The Princess Alexandra Hospital

• Kerrie Doupain
• Mark Ansell.

Cancer Council Queensland ACCR Grant - ACCR-0000000031 (2020-2024) and QIMR Berghofer