Self-management support for cancer patients using automated phone calls

Adaptive Symptom Self-Management to Reduce Psychological Distress and Improve Symptom Management for Survivors on Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Not applicable Interventional University of Arizona · NCT05715255

This study is testing if automated phone calls can help cancer survivors manage their symptoms better during treatment and improve their communication with doctors.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Arizona Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Phoenix, Arizona and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05715255 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to improve symptom management for cancer survivors undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment by utilizing an Automated Telephone Symptom Management (ATSM) system. Participants will be randomized to receive either ATSM, which includes weekly symptom monitoring and reporting, or an active control group that only receives symptom monitoring. The study will also explore the addition of Telephone Interpersonal Counseling (TIP-C) for those who continue to experience psychological distress. The goal is to enhance self-efficacy in managing symptoms and improve communication with healthcare providers, ultimately reducing adverse events and healthcare utilization.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are cancer survivors aged 18 or older who are within 12 weeks of starting immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment and experiencing elevated psychological distress.

Not a fit: Patients currently receiving regular behavioral counseling may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to better management of immune-related adverse events in cancer patients, improving their overall treatment experience.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using automated symptom management approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 or older
* Within 12 weeks after starting ICI treatment for cancer
* Cognitively oriented to person, place and time (determined by recruiter)
* Able to speak and understand English or Spanish
* Access to a telephone
* Severity score of 1 (mild) or higher on at least 1 of the 3 indicators of psychological distress from the PRO-CTCAE (i.e., the three items of anxious, discouraged, sad) library

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently receiving regular behavioral counseling

Where this trial is running

Phoenix, Arizona and 2 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 Breast CancerColon CancerLung CancerSkin CancerRectum CancerCancerCancer SurvivorsImmunotherapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.