NCT07406113: MEOP

MEOP - Multidimensional Evaluations in Oncological Psychiatry

Not yet recruiting Last updated 12 February 2026

What this trial tests

trial testing Psychiatric and neuropsychological evaluation through rating scales in Psychiatric Disorder in 2,000 participants. Not yet recruiting.

Timeline

30 January 2026

Primary endpoint
29 January 2036

29 January 2036

Quick facts

Lead sponsor	Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS
Status	Not yet recruiting
Study type	OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment	2,000
Start date	30 January 2026
Primary completion	29 January 2036
Estimated completion	29 January 2036

Drugs / interventions tested

• Psychiatric and neuropsychological evaluation through rating scales

Conditions studied

• Psychiatric Disorder — all drugs for Psychiatric Disorder →
• Cognition Disorder — all drugs for Cognition Disorder →
• Treatment Compliance — all drugs for Treatment Compliance →
• Adverse Drug Event — all drugs for Adverse Drug Event →

Sponsor

Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS

Who can join

Adults 18 to 75, any sex, with Psychiatric Disorder or Cognition Disorder. Patients with the condition only — healthy volunteers not accepted.

Sponsor's own description

Cancer is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, profoundly affecting patients' lives at every level, and its psychological and psychiatric impacts remain a major concern. Psychiatric disorders are frequently observed in cancer patients. Nevertheless, they were also underdiagnosed, with a consequent undermining possible interventions. Still, psychiatric disorders in cancer patients are not merely secondary complications but may actively contribute to poor oncological outcomes.

The pathophysiology of cancer-related psychiatric disorders is multifactorial and is related to several neuropsychological and neurobiological factors. Specifically, the production of cytokines associated with cancer appears to play a role in the development of depression. Tumours trigger an inflammatory response that leads to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines influence central nervous system function and disrupt the regulation of the HPA axis, contributing to psychological symptoms such as depression, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and appetite loss.

Moreover, psychiatric symptoms in cancer patients are often accompanied by neuropsychological alterations including deficits in memory, executive function, and attention. Compared to other individuals with psychiatric disorders, cancer patients may experience more severe cognitive impairments which can be exacerbated by cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. These treatments stimulate cytokine production by nearby non-cancerous cells and immune cells activated in response to treatment-induced cell death, thereby driving systemic inflammation.

Cancer profoundly affects not only patients but also their families, who often bear the emotional and caregiving burden. Being close to a loved one with cancer can lead to significant psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, among family members and caregivers. The ripple effects of this burden underscore the need for a holistic approach to mental health in oncology.

Given the background presented so far, identifying and managing psychiatric comorbidities in oncological patients and their families is crucial. This multifaceted interplay between cancer and psychiatric disorders necessitates a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to understanding, diagnosing, and treating these conditions effectively.

Publications & conference data

No peer-reviewed publications indexed yet for this trial.