Electronic patient-reported outcome measures (E-Proms): Results of the H2020 CAPABLE project for patients with metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC).

Abstract

11045 Background: E-Proms were shown to benefit both survival and quality of life (QoL) of cancer patients. So far, E-Proms have been mostly implemented as the electronic version of validated, paper-based questionnaires typically administered at follow-up visits. Benefits of telemedicine systems that put symptom reporting within a wider framework embracing a holistic view of a patient's wellbeing are still under-investigated. Methods: Thirty mRCC patients were enrolled in the CAPABLE project intervention cohort during 2023. They were provided with the CAPABLE smartphone app, and with a smartwatch able to monitor vital parameters, physical activity, and sleep. The app acts as a virtual coach, allowing patients to enter any symptom they experience through an interface inspired by both CTACE and proCTCAE. Immediate feedback on whether to contact or not a doctor is generated according to the symptom severity. Patient’s data are matched with the ESMO guidelines for toxicity management, a selection of which was computerized within CAPABLE, and any generated recommendation is shown to the patient. The app manages the symptom follow up, periodically prompting the patient to report any change, and it also promotes activities aimed at improving patients’ education, mental wellbeing and lifestyle. All the entered data may be visualized by doctors at the hospital. The CAPABLE cohort was compared with a control cohort of 77 mRCC patients, enrolled in 2021/2022, who underwent standard care. All patients filled in a set of questionnaires measuring QoL, satisfaction, nutritional and psychological status at enrollment (T0), after 3 months (T1) and after 6 months (T2). A focus group with the CAPABLE cohort was held close to the end of the study. In this report the primary outcome, i.e. EORTC QLQ-C30 score for QoL, is discussed, together with qualitative results from the focus group. Results: The analysis shows an increase in the average QoL for the CAPABLE cohort (80.7 vs 84.9), and a slight decrease in the controls (80 vs 77), with a statistically significant interaction between time and cohort (p < 0.05). Considering QLQ-C30 subscales, CAPABLE patients showed less fatigue and improved social and role functioning. As from the focus group, the app was perceived as effective and useful. More connection with the patient’s clinical pathway and more personalization according to specific treatments were highlighted as needed improvements. Conclusions: This study shows that E-Proms may be effectively included in a comprehensive and engaging system for remote management of mRCC patients. Clinical trial information: NCT06161233 .