Remote symptom monitoring for palliative care in thoracic cancer patients

SyMPLER: Patient- and Caregiver-Triggered Palliative Referrals Via an Electronic Symptom Monitoring Program

NA · Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center · NCT06396598

This study tests whether a new app that helps thoracic cancer patients and their caregivers track symptoms can improve their quality of life by getting them the right support sooner.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment157 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOhio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (other)
Locations1 site (Columbus, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT06396598 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of a remote electronic symptom monitoring program designed for patients with thoracic cancer and their caregivers. Participants will log their symptoms weekly for 24 weeks using an app, which aims to facilitate earlier palliative care referrals. The study also includes educational materials to help patients and caregivers understand the process and benefits of symptom management. By monitoring symptoms remotely, the trial seeks to improve the quality of life for patients and their caregivers by addressing pain and other concerns before they escalate.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with any stage of thoracic malignancy who have access to electronic communication devices.

Not a fit: Patients who are not diagnosed with thoracic cancer or those unable to use electronic devices for symptom monitoring may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could lead to improved symptom management and quality of life for patients with thoracic cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using electronic monitoring for symptom management, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* PATIENTS: Age ≥ 18 years
* PATIENTS: Diagnosed with any stage (1-4) or type (non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, mesothelioma, thymic carcinoma) of thoracic malignancy
* PATIENTS: ≥ 2 visits at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC) Thoracic Oncology Clinic
* PATIENTS: Study enrollment within 12 weeks of initial Thoracic Medical Oncology appointment
* PATIENTS: Ability to understand and willingness to sign an informed consent document (or indicate approval or disapproval by another means)
* PATIENTS: Ability to read and understand English
* PATIENTS: Access to a device with email or text messaging capability
* CAREGIVERS: Age ≥ 18 years
* CAREGIVERS: Identified by patient participant as primary caregiver
* CAREGIVERS: Corresponding patient participant has consented to participate in the study
* CAREGIVERS: Ability to understand and willingness to sign an informed consent document (or indicate approval or disapproval by another means)
* CAREGIVERS: Ability to read and understand English
* CAREGIVERS: Access to a device with email or text messaging capability

Exclusion Criteria:

* PATIENTS: Patients who have been previously referred to ambulatory palliative care are excluded from participation
* PATIENTS: Prisoners are excluded from participation
* PATIENTS: Pregnant patients are excluded from participation
* PATIENTS: Patients who lack capacity for medical decision-making as determined by their primary oncologist are excluded from participation
* PATIENTS: There is NO exclusion criteria pertaining to Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, laboratory values, prior cancer diagnoses, presence of comorbidities or brain metastases

Where this trial is running

Columbus, Ohio

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Malignant Thoracic Neoplasm

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.