番茄社区app

A mobile health application for patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) being treated with combined immune checkpoint inhibitor and tyrosine kinase inhibitor (ICI-TKI) therapy proved feasible in a pilot study.

The mobile phone app was designed to educate patients and help them manage symptoms, Jad Chahoud, MD, and colleagues at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, explained in .

Of the 22 patients approached for the study, 20 (90%) consented and enrolled. The majority (60%) completed all follow-up surveys and knowledge assessments, and 75% completed at least half the surveys and assessments, the researchers reported. "The intervention was acceptable and feasible. We found statistically significant improvement in disease and treatment knowledge, but not in measurable patient-related outcomes."

Co-author Gabriel Roman Souza, MD, discussed additional details and future research in the following interview.

Why did you develop an application specifically for patients with RCC undergoing ICI-TKI therapy?

Roman Souza: We developed this application to address the unmet need to better inform and support patients with advanced RCC receiving ICI-TKI combination therapies. These therapies, while effective, often come with significant challenges such as complex drug-related adverse events, psychological distress, and a substantial impact on quality of life. The application aims to provide patients with comprehensive, personalized educational content and tools to manage symptoms effectively, fostering a more informed and connected approach to their care.

Can you give an example of how the app could help a particular patient with symptom management?

Roman Souza: The app includes a patient-friendly algorithm for early detection and management of adverse events. For example, a patient experiencing diarrhea, a common side effect of ICI-TKI therapy, could use the app to assess symptom severity, determine when to contact their healthcare provider, receive tailored guidance on dietary modifications, and log their symptoms for improved communication with their care team during follow-up visits.

By offering actionable insights and promoting continuous dialogue with healthcare providers, the app empowers patients to address symptoms proactively, thereby minimizing risks and enhancing treatment outcomes.

What educational topics were covered, and did you find that participants' knowledge improved?

Roman Souza: The educational modules covered a range of topics, including the following:

• Introduction to RCC and the diagnosis process

• Recognizing symptoms and setting realistic expectations

• Treatment options, mechanisms of action, and adverse effects of ICI-TKI therapy

• Emotional coping strategies and adapting to daily life after diagnosis

We observed statistically significant improvements in disease and treatment knowledge in specific modules, such as understanding RCC (P=0.04) and treatment mechanisms (P<0.01).

Do you plan any additional research or refinements to the app?

Roman Souza: Yes, we plan to conduct a larger, randomized study to evaluate the app's efficacy in enhancing the quality of life for patients undergoing ICI-TKI therapies. Future refinements include implementing real-time patient-reported outcomes collection, enabling more accurate tracking of daily symptoms, and quicker response to high-risk situations. These advancements aim to enhance the app's functionality and clinical utility.

Is there anything else you want oncologists to know about this app or your study?

Roman Souza: The app was developed using the social ecological model, which is vital in addressing the complex interplay of factors that influence patient education and symptom management. This model considers not only individual knowledge and behaviors but also the broader social support systems, healthcare provider interactions, and institutional frameworks that shape patient outcomes.

Future efforts will focus on scalability and seamless integration into routine clinical practice to maximize its accessibility and transformative impact on patient care.

Read the study here.