Digital monitoring to screen for mental health in teens and young adults with cancer
Official title: Using Digital Phenotyping to Optimize Psychosocial Risk Screening and Personalized Care: a Pilot Study in Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer
Run by Stanford University · NCT07220343 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether tracking smartphone and smartwatch data plus short surveys can find and speed help for mental health needs in adolescents and young adults recently diagnosed with cancer.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 10 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Palo Alto, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 29, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 30, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07220343 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are 10–25-year-olds diagnosed with cancer 2–18 months ago who can carry a smartphone, wear a smartwatch, and read English or Spanish.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant physical or cognitive disabilities that prevent completing study activities, those unable to use a smartphone/smartwatch, or those who do not speak English or Spanish are unlikely to benefit from this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Participants will use the My Personal Health Dashboard (MyPHD) smartphone app to complete brief ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) and carry a smartphone and wearable smartwatch that collect passive behavioral data. The study uses digital phenotyping algorithms to identify participants showing signs of psychosocial distress and to triage those at higher risk to timely mental health services. Eligible participants are 10–25 years old with a cancer diagnosis made 2–18 months prior, and must be able to use a smartphone and smartwatch and read English or Spanish. The intervention is implemented at a single site, with data-driven notifications intended to accelerate access to supportive care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could identify mental health needs earlier and speed access to counseling and support for young people with cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Prior EMA and digital phenotyping studies in youth mental health have shown promising early results for detecting mood changes and risk, but using these methods to triage clinical care is still emerging rather than fully proven.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 10-25 years old * Recent cancer diagnosis (\>2 and \<18 months since diagnosis) * Willing to carry smartphone on their person for duration of study participation * Willing to wear smartwatch for duration of study participation Exclusion Criteria: * Significant physical or mental disability that prevents completion of study activities * Lack of proficiency in English or Spanish
Where it's running
-
Stanford University
Palo Alto, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Victoria Cosgrove, PhD — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Olivia Borge
- Email: oborge@stanford.edu
- Phone: (650) 723-9392
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.