Using a smartphone app to track physical activity and side effects in cancer treatment

Systemic Treatment Related Toxicity Identified With a Smartphone APPlication Measuring Step Count - Prospective Cohort Study

Observational Radboud University Medical Center · NCT05927636

This study is testing whether tracking daily steps with a smartphone app can help cancer patients understand their side effects during treatment and improve their overall experience.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment411 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRadboud University Medical Center Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Leeuwarden, Friesland and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05927636 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the relationship between daily physical activity, measured through a smartphone app, and the side effects experienced by cancer patients undergoing systemic treatment. Participants will track their daily step count from one week before treatment until three months into treatment, using the OncoSTAPP application. The study seeks to determine if objective measurements of physical activity can provide insights into treatment-related toxicities and improve patient outcomes. Additionally, the feasibility of using smartphones for this purpose will be assessed.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with cancer and are about to start systemic treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive disorders, severe emotional instability, or those who are wheelchair-dependent or immobile may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help identify ways to reduce side effects of cancer treatment and enhance overall treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored physical activity in cancer treatment, this approach using smartphones for objective measurement is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥18 years;
* Diagnosis of cancer with an indication of starting systemic treatment
* Knowledge how to handle smartphone with iOS version 11 or higher or Android version 7.0 or higher.
* Mastery of Dutch language
* Able and willing to give written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cognitive disorders or severe emotional instability
* Wheelchair-depended at home, or immobile due to for example fracture
* Already participating in an exercise trial

Where this trial is running

Leeuwarden, Friesland 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 CancerSystemic TreatmentPhysical ActivityToxicity Due to ChemotherapySystemic treatmentToxicityPhysical activitySmartphone
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.