Improving adherence to oral chemotherapy in young cancer patients using mobile health tools

Using Real Time Mobile Health Approaches to Understand and Promote Oral Chemotherapy Adherence in Adolescents and young Adults with Leukemia

NIH-funded research Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11126183

This study is looking to help teenagers and young adults with leukemia take their oral chemotherapy medication, 6-mercaptopurine, more regularly by using mobile technology to understand what makes it hard for them to stick to their treatment, so they can get helpful reminders and support to stay on track and improve their chances of recovery.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-11126183 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing adherence to an oral chemotherapy medication called 6-mercaptopurine among adolescents and young adults with leukemia. By utilizing real-time mobile health technologies, the study aims to identify factors that affect medication adherence, such as fatigue and motivation, through regular assessments with patients and their caregivers. The goal is to develop personalized mobile interventions that provide timely support and reminders to improve adherence to treatment, ultimately aiming to reduce relapse rates and improve survival outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults diagnosed with leukemia who are prescribed 6-mercaptopurine as part of their treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing treatment with 6-mercaptopurine or those outside the adolescent and young adult age range may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved adherence to life-saving chemotherapy, resulting in better health outcomes for young cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using mobile health interventions to improve medication adherence in various patient populations, indicating potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Adolescent and young adult cancer patientsAdolescent and young adult cancer population
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.