Mobile App for Dietary Intake During Radiation Therapy for Cancer

This trial aims to determine if a mobile app can assist people in tracking their daily food intake during radiation therapy for cancer. Participants will use the myCircadian Clock app to log their meals throughout their treatment. The study seeks adults beginning radiation therapy who own a smartphone and can speak and read English. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could improve cancer care.

Research has shown that using the myCircadian Clock app to track dietary intake is safe. In a study involving a similar app used by patients undergoing radiation therapy, participants received the app well, and no serious problems occurred. This indicates that users did not encounter major safety issues.

Additionally, over 150 people have used the myCircadian Clock app to log their eating habits over several weeks, and no safety problems emerged in this large group. While this does not directly prove the app's safety during radiation therapy, it suggests that the app is safe to use.

Researchers are excited about using the myCircadian Clock app to track dietary intake during radiation therapy for cancer because it offers a personalized and proactive way for patients to manage their nutrition. Unlike traditional methods that might involve general dietary guidelines or sporadic food diaries, this mobile app allows for real-time documentation and analysis of what patients eat, helping to identify patterns that could affect treatment outcomes. This approach could lead to more tailored nutritional advice, potentially improving patients' overall health and treatment responses during radiation therapy.

Research has shown that mobile nutrition apps can greatly improve eating habits in cancer patients. One study found that a mobile nutrition app helped people eat more moderately and reduced appetite loss over four weeks. Another study discovered that these apps assist users in tracking their food, offering instant feedback and personalized diet tips. In this trial, participants will use the myCircadian Clock app to document all dietary intake throughout their radiation therapy. Apps like myCircadian Clock simplify meal logging and nutrient intake checks. This tracking can help maintain balanced nutrition during cancer treatments, which is vital for recovery and overall health.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰