mHealth Intervention for Cancer

(FOCUS Trial)

This trial aims to help people with advanced cancer manage symptoms such as sleep problems, anxiety, depression, and fatigue using a mobile health (mHealth) app. The app provides tools and exercises to help patients focus on what matters most, even when facing these challenging symptoms. Participants will use either the app with special exercises or a version with standard information, receiving weekly support through telemedicine (online health services). The trial seeks individuals with advanced lung, breast, prostate, or skin cancer, or multiple myeloma, who experience issues like insomnia or fatigue. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative symptom management tools tailored to participants' needs.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Research shows that mobile health (mHealth) tools are generally easy to use. Past studies have demonstrated that these tools improve mental health and reduce side effects from treatments like chemotherapy. Users of these apps for cancer-related issues have reported feeling better and experiencing fewer symptoms. This suggests that mHealth tools, such as the FOCUS app in this trial, are safe. No major reports of negative effects have emerged, making it a promising option for managing symptoms in advanced cancer.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about the mHealth Intervention for cancer patients because it integrates cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) directly into a mobile app, making mental health support more accessible and personalized. Unlike traditional in-person therapy sessions, this approach allows patients to engage with behavioral and values-based exercises at their convenience, offering flexibility that fits into their daily routines. Additionally, the use of motivational features and rewards in the app encourages consistent practice of skills, which is a fresh approach compared to standard care treatments that often lack these engaging elements. This innovative blend of technology and therapy represents a promising step in enhancing the mental health care of cancer patients.

Studies have shown that mobile health (mHealth) tools effectively reduce anxiety and depression and improve the quality of life for cancer patients. Research indicates that mobile health apps help manage symptoms, increase patient involvement, and boost confidence in handling their health. In this trial, participants in the FOCUS Intervention Arm will engage with the FOCUS program, which demonstrated significant improvements in sleep, worry, depression, and tiredness, with strong positive effects. Notably, these sleep improvements persisted even 12 months after treatment. This mobile health approach offers promising support for those dealing with advanced cancer symptoms.³⁶⁷⁸⁹