Summary
Background:
Oncologists and patients alike are faced with increasing challenges when managing a growing number of new anticancer agents with their specific and complex toxicities. Integrating electronic systems when monitoring patients offers the opportunity to collect data and interact in real time.
Objective:
To test the feasibility and applicability of an interactive data collecting tool in an outpatient setting. To evaluate the interaction between patients and caregivers.
Materials and methods:
Within a community based clinical program for patients using everolimus, we designed a pilot study using an electronic device, uploaded with a program to stimulate the compliance of patients to treatment and preventive measures. The Coach also screened for mucositis and for other adverse events (AE); and offered advice when AE’s were detected.
Results:
Between March and September 2014, 34 patients were enrolled in this pilot study. Eight patients dropped out of the study (due to reluctance in three, to age in two, general conditions in two and logistic defect in one patient). Mean follow up time was six weeks (range two to twelve weeks). Compliance to the device was evaluated in twenty patients and 16/20 (80%) committed to ≥ 60% of registrations. Treatment related AE’s, illness or technical problems posed no barriers to compliance. Toxicity data was collected in 26 patients (92% women, median age of 63 yr). Mucositis was registered in 50% of patients. First registration of AE was documented at day seventeen. In retrospect, earlier laser therapy for everolimus induced mucositis leads to fast relief and less lengthy laser treatments.
Conclusion:
The use of a real time data collecting tool (Remecoach) is feasible. The compliance to the device is high and resulted in early detection of everolimus induced mucositis. This approach to patient management can contribute to early toxicity management while improving treatment compliance.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2016;10(1):29–34)
