Assessing cancer pain using machine learning and telemedicine

Home-Based Telemedicine for Automatic Pain Assessment in Cancer Patients: Dataset Creation and Development of Machine Learning Algorithms

Observational National Cancer Institute, Naples · NCT04726228

This study is testing a new way to help cancer patients manage their pain better by using technology and support from healthcare teams while they stay at home.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNational Cancer Institute, Naples Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Naples, Campania and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04726228 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on improving pain management in cancer patients through the integration of telemedicine and machine learning. Patients diagnosed with advanced cancer will be monitored at home by the Early Palliative Care team, utilizing various clinical assessment tools and a mobile application for data collection. The study aims to develop algorithms for automatic pain recognition, enhancing the quality of life and treatment adherence for patients experiencing cancer pain. The project is structured into three work packages, including IT infrastructure development, patient data collection, and algorithm development.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with advanced cancer and a life expectancy of one year or less who are receiving treatment for cancer pain.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old or those with cognitive deficits may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance pain management and quality of life for cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using telemedicine and machine learning for pain assessment, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged \> 18 years
* Home care patients diagnosed with advanced cancer disease and life expectancy ≤ 1 year
* Patients receiving treatment for cancer pain
* Patients who have given their consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged \< 18 years
* Willingness to sign the informed consent form (unable to read or write)
* Cognitive deficit (e.g. Alzheimer disease or senile dementia)

Where this trial is running

Naples, Campania and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions OncologyCancer PainQuality of LifePain assessmentMachine LearningAutomatic Pain AssessmentPalliative CareTelemedicine
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.