An app to help cancer patients manage treatment costs
DISCO: A Patient Intervention to Reduce the Financial Burden of Cancer
NA · Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute · NCT04766190
This study tests if a new app can help cancer patients better talk about and manage their treatment costs while undergoing chemotherapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 260 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Detroit, Michigan) |
| Trial ID | NCT04766190 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The DISCO App aims to enhance patient participation in discussions about treatment costs with their oncologists, thereby improving their understanding and management of financial burdens associated with cancer care. By focusing on self-efficacy, the app encourages patients to engage actively in conversations about costs, which may lead to reduced financial toxicity and better adherence to treatment. The study will evaluate the app's effectiveness in a diverse group of patients diagnosed with solid tumors who are undergoing chemotherapy. Participants will be compared against those receiving usual care to assess the app's impact on financial distress and overall quality of care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include newly diagnosed patients with breast, prostate, lung, or colorectal cancer who are likely to receive systemic therapy.
Not a fit: Patients who are not newly diagnosed or those who do not have access to the DISCO App may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly alleviate the financial stress experienced by cancer patients, leading to improved treatment adherence and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using technology to enhance patient-provider communication and reduce financial toxicity, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Oncologists are eligible if they treat patients with breast, prostate, lung, or colorectal cancers at Karmanos Cancer Institute. Data from oncologists will include their self-report data and video-recorded treatment discussions with participating patients. * Patients: Must be able to read and write in English; have an email account; and are newly diagnosed with breast, prostate, lung or colorectal cancer (stage I-IV) for which systemic therapy is a likely recommended treatment. Data from patients will include their self-report data, video-recorded treatment discussions with participating oncologists, and medical record data Exclusion Criteria: \-
Where this trial is running
Detroit, Michigan
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute — Detroit, Michigan, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lauren Hamel, PhD — Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Insitute
- Study coordinator: Lauren Hamel, PhD
- Email: hamell@karmanos.org
- Phone: 313-576-9672
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Financial Toxicity, Cancer, Question Prompt List, Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Treatment cost, Patient-provider communication