Phone app for remote symptom monitoring and management during cancer treatment
Official title: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Remote Monitoring and Symptom Management Intervention (ASSIST) Among Patients Receiving Systemic Therapy
Run by Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT07553572 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether the ASSIST smartphone app can be used and is liked by people with breast cancer, colorectal cancer, or lymphoma who are starting systemic treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 14, 2026 |
| Main results expected | November 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07553572 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (18+) with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, colorectal cancer, or lymphoma who are starting systemic treatment within about four weeks, expect treatment for at least 12 weeks, can read English, and have or can receive a smartphone are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with cognitive, visual, or motor impairments that prevent smartphone use, those who cannot use English, or those with expected survival under three months are unlikely to benefit from this app-based intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Participants will be assigned to use the ASSIST phone application for 12 weeks or to receive usual clinical care, and participants in both groups will complete regular surveys. The app uses artificial intelligence to collect patient-reported symptoms and deliver remote monitoring and symptom-management support. The study focuses on feasibility (can patients use the app) and acceptability (do patients like it) rather than clinical outcomes. Enrollment is limited to adults starting definitive systemic therapy who can read English and have or will receive a smartphone.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, ASSIST could help detect and manage treatment symptoms earlier and improve the patient experience during systemic cancer therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research on remote symptom monitoring and patient-reported outcome apps in oncology has shown improved symptom control and quality-of-life measures, so the approach has supporting evidence though ASSIST itself is being specifically tested for feasibility and acceptability.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 18 years or older 2. Ability to understand English 3. About to begin definitive systemic treatment (or within 4 weeks of beginning treatment) based upon the oncology treatment intent form for a new diagnosis of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, or lymphoma. 4. Expected treatment duration of at least 12 weeks 5. Own or willing to receive a smartphone Exclusion Criteria: 1. Cognitive impairment that would interfere with ability to use smartphone application (as assessed by their attending physician) 2. Visual or motor impairment that would prevent smartphone use 3. Expected survival less than 3 months
Where it's running
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Patrick C Johnson, MD
- Email: pcjohnson@mgh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 6177244000
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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.