Five Interesting Things in Digital Oncology

Technology Applications: Use of Digital Health Technology to Enable Drug Development Link: https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/CCI.17.00153

Summary: In a phase III trial for olaparib/cediranib in recurrent, platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer, a smartphone app was used for reporting diarrhea and blood pressure side effects by patients. App users could also contact their health care team through the interface. Patients had a generally positive experience with the app and felt more connected to their care. No mention if the app actually helped reduce diarrhea/blood pressure adverse events. Digital Health Interventions for

Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors Link: https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/CCI.17.00138

Summary: Digital health interventions in young adults who are cancer patients or survivors has promise- 90% of teens/young adults use the Internet or a smartphone. Apps for pain management and medication have shown success in helping patients manage their at-home treatment, while social media shows early promise for connecting both patients and survivors. However, there are almost no clinical trials evaluating these interventions in a controlled setting. Effect of Telecare

Management on Pain and Depression in Patients with Cancer Link: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/186215 Summary: A telehealth intervention targeted 405 urban and rural cancer patients’ pain and depression. In weeks 1, 4, and 12, patients received a phone call from a nurse, who then assessed the patient’s pain and depressive symptoms. Nurse calls were also triggered when patients reported significant events via automated messages or surveys. A statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) was seen in both pain and depression symptoms

Randomized Trial Comparing a Web-Mediated Follow-up With Routine Surveillance in Lung Cancer Patients Link: https://academic.oup.com/jnci/article/109/9/djx029/3573360 Summary: 121 French lung cancer patients, a majority (95.1%) with Stage III or IV disease, were randomly assigned to utilize a web-based algorithm for symptom reporting during remission periods. The algorithm calculated a score based on patient-reported symptoms, such as cough, fever, or unexplained weight, and alerted the patient’s physician after a score threshold was reached. The treatment group saw longer overall survival of 7 more months than the control group (p = 0.001). Promise of Mobile Health Technology to Reduce

Disparities in Patients with Cancer and Survivors Link: https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/CCI.17.00141 Summary: Health disparities that exist across the health sciences also manifest in oncology. Minority populations and rural communities lack access to care that can be life-saving. Telemedicine was found to be a mixed bag- patients appreciated the time and money saved by virtual appointments, but technical issues and feeling of disconnect were major concerns. Remote monitoring interventions in minority populations may help close the outcomes gap in pain management and quality of life.