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Evaluation of a mobile phone-based, advanced symptom management system (ASyMS©) in the management of chemotherapy-related toxicity

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Supportive Care in Cancer Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of a mobile phone-based, remote monitoring, advanced symptom management system (ASyMS©) on the incidence, severity and distress of six chemotherapy-related symptoms (nausea, vomiting, fatigue, mucositis, hand–foot syndrome and diarrhoea) in patients with lung, breast or colorectal cancer.

Design

A two group (intervention and control) by five time points (baseline, pre-cycle 2, pre-cycle 3, pre-cycle 4 and pre-cycle 5) randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Seven clinical sites in the UK; five specialist cancer centres and two local district hospitals.

Participants

One hundred and twelve people with breast, lung or colorectal cancer receiving outpatient chemotherapy.

Interventions

A mobile phone-based, remote monitoring, advanced symptom management system (ASyMS©).

Main outcome measures

Chemotherapy-related morbidity of six common chemotherapy-related symptoms (nausea, vomiting, fatigue, mucositis, hand–foot syndrome and diarrhoea).

Results

There were significantly higher reports of fatigue in the control group compared to the intervention group (odds ratio = 2.29, 95%CI = 1.04 to 5.05, P = 0.040) and reports of hand–foot syndrome were on average lower in the control group (odds ratio control/intervention = 0.39, 95%CI = 0.17 to 0.92, P = 0.031).

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that ASyMS© can support the management of symptoms in patients with lung, breast and colorectal cancer receiving chemotherapy.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Stirling University Research Enterprise for funding this study and would like to extend a special thank you and note of appreciation to all the patients and health professionals who participated.

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Correspondence to N. Kearney.

Additional information

Trial registration ISRCTN 67370244

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Kearney, N., McCann, L., Norrie, J. et al. Evaluation of a mobile phone-based, advanced symptom management system (ASyMS©) in the management of chemotherapy-related toxicity. Support Care Cancer 17, 437–444 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-008-0515-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-008-0515-0

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