Using a smartphone app to help lung cancer patients stick to their rehabilitation exercises after surgery

A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study to Evaluate the Impact of Remote Symptom Management Via Smartphone App Based on Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes on Rehabilitation Exercise Adherence After Minimally Invasive Surgery in Lung Cancer Patients

NA · Zhongshan People's Hospital, Guangdong, China · NCT05990946

This study is testing whether a smartphone app can help lung cancer patients stick to their rehabilitation exercises after surgery by allowing them to report their symptoms and get feedback from their doctors.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment736 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorZhongshan People's Hospital, Guangdong, China (other)
Locations1 site (Zhongshan, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT05990946 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of a smartphone app that enables remote symptom monitoring and management for patients recovering from video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for lung cancer. Patients will be randomized into two groups: one receiving electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) with clinician feedback and the other receiving ePRO without feedback. The primary focus is on improving adherence to prescribed pulmonary rehabilitation exercises during the month following discharge. Secondary outcomes include monitoring postoperative complications, hospital readmissions, and patient satisfaction. If successful, this approach could be expanded to benefit a larger population of postoperative patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-75 undergoing minimally invasive lung cancer resection who can use smartphones.

Not a fit: Patients who have significant comorbidities, previous lung surgeries, or physical limitations that prevent exercise may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance recovery and adherence to rehabilitation exercises for lung cancer patients post-surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using technology for remote monitoring and rehabilitation, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-75 years old
* Undergoing minimally invasive lung cancer resection
* Able to use smartphones and complete electronic questionnaires
* Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* conversions to open thoracotomy during surgery
* ECOG score \> 1
* Received neoadjuvant therapy
* Previous lung resection surgery
* Unable to exercise due to physical limitations
* Continuous systemic corticosteroid use within 1 month before enrollment
* Unresolved toxicity above Grade 1 from previous treatments
* Significant comorbidities or medical history

Where this trial is running

Zhongshan, Guangdong

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: Lung Neoplasms, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Postoperative Complications, Patient Reported Outcome Measures, Telerehabilitation, Exercise Therapy, Exercise Adherence, ePRO, Remote Monitoring

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.