Mobile Health App for Colorectal Cancer Survivors

Overseen By Macy Tetrick

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Disqualifiers: Severe cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

70 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to assist colorectal cancer survivors by testing a mobile health app designed to improve lifestyle habits. It focuses on helping survivors and their family caregivers adhere to healthy living guidelines that can reduce symptoms and enhance overall well-being. Participants will use the app to set goals, track progress, and receive support and coaching for a healthier lifestyle. Suitable candidates include those who have had stage I-III colon or rectal cancer, completed treatment six months ago, own a smartphone, and have a family caregiver willing to participate. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could improve the quality of life for colorectal cancer survivors.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It mainly focuses on lifestyle changes and physical activity for colorectal cancer survivors.

What prior data suggests that this mobile health intervention is safe for colorectal cancer survivors?

Research has shown that mobile health apps for colorectal cancer survivors are generally safe. Studies have examined the ease and acceptability of these apps, and users usually find them well-liked. No evidence indicates any serious side effects from using these apps. Instead, they assist users in maintaining healthy lifestyle changes, such as improving diet and exercise habits. The goal is to enhance the health and quality of life for cancer survivors. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Mobile Health App for colorectal cancer survivors because it offers a personalized and interactive approach to post-treatment care. Unlike traditional methods that often rely on periodic in-person consultations, this app provides continuous support and guidance through features like goal setting, self-monitoring, and social support, all accessible from a smartphone. Additionally, the app includes tailored exercise videos, recipes, and health coaching, which are designed specifically for colorectal cancer survivors, making it a comprehensive lifestyle management tool. This innovative approach aims to empower survivors and caregivers to actively participate in their health journey, potentially improving outcomes and quality of life.

What evidence suggests that this mobile health intervention is effective for colorectal cancer survivors?

This trial will evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile health (mHealth) app specifically designed for colorectal cancer survivors. Studies have shown that mHealth tools can greatly improve the health of these individuals. Research indicates that mHealth apps assist patients in better managing their lifestyle, leading to higher screening rates and improved overall health. One study found that mobile apps for colorectal cancer patients provided valuable support in managing exercise and diet. Another review noted that while some studies showed a better quality of life, others did not find significant changes. Overall, evidence suggests that mHealth tools effectively help cancer survivors adhere to healthy lifestyle recommendations. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Roberto M Benzo, PhD

Principal Investigator

Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for colorectal cancer survivors and their family caregivers. It aims to help them follow lifestyle recommendations that can improve symptoms, health outcomes, and quality of life. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with stage I-III colon or rectal cancer.

Patients must own a smartphone with internet access and can receive text messages

Patients must be able to speak, read, and understand English

Exclusion Criteria

Patients living outside the United States (US) during the study period

Patients with potential contraindications to exercise based on the PAR-Q, for those unable to obtain physician clearance

Family caregivers must meet the same exclusion criteria as the patients

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Design

Survivor-caregiver dyads and SMEs complete semi-structured interviews and surveys for intervention content, format, and feature design and development

Not specified

1 visit (in-person or virtual)

User-Experience Testing

Dyads complete semi-structured interviews, participate in think-aloud sessions, and complete surveys to test the Healthy Buckeyes app

Not specified

1 visit (in-person or virtual)

Pilot Study

Dyads use the Healthy Buckeyes app to set goals, self-monitor, elicit social support, and receive health coaching over 10 weeks

10 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for usability, acceptability, and adherence to the intervention

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• MHealth Intervention

Trial Overview The study is testing a mobile health intervention designed to support adherence to nutrition and physical activity guidelines. Participants will engage in interviews, surveys, educational activities, discussions, internet-based interventions, use medical devices and answer questionnaires.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Phase III (pilot study) Experimental Treatment 7 Interventions

Dyads use the Healthy Buckeyes app to set goals, self-monitor, elicit social support, reinforcement, time management, relapse prevention, and receive exercise videos and recipes tailored to CRC survivors on study. Dyads also watch three 3 minute videos on strategies for improving healthy lifestyle behaviors weekly, wear a Fitbit and use exercise bands, and receive health coaching over 10 weeks on study. Dyads will be prompted through the app to identify specific ways they will support each other (team activity and team huddle) in meeting their goals throughout the week for 10 weeks on study.

Group II: Phase I (design) Active Control 1 Intervention

Survivor-caregiver dyads and SMEs complete semi-structured interview over 60-90 minutes and surveys over 15 minutes for intervention content, format, and feature design and development on study

Group III: Phase II (user-experience testing) Active Control 3 Interventions

Dyads complete semi-structured interview and participate in think-aloud sessions over 60-90 minutes and complete surveys over 15 minutes to test the Healthy Buckeyes app on study.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

350

Recruited

295,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A self-management mobile application for colorectal cancer survivors significantly improved self-efficacy, health practices, and quality of life after six weeks of use, as shown by surveys of 39 participants.

The intervention led to specific improvements in emotional functioning and reductions in overall symptoms and fatigue, highlighting the effectiveness of mobile technology in providing social support for cancer survivors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of an interactive coaching intervention on quality of life and psychological factors for colorectal cancer survivors: A single group pre and posttest design. Yoon, J., Lee, H., Son, H.[2023]

The pilot study involving 7 colorectal cancer survivors showed that a 12-week mHealth home-based exercise intervention was highly feasible, with an 88.6% workout completion rate and 100% retention, indicating strong participant engagement.

Participants reported improved quality of life and expressed a desire for more intense workouts, suggesting that the intervention was not only safe (with no adverse events) but also positively received, particularly the moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) approach.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility and acceptability of an mHealth, home-based exercise intervention in colorectal cancer survivors: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Moraitis, AM., Rose, NB., Johnson, AF., et al.[2023]

A multi-component mobile health intervention significantly improved daily physical activity and physical health in cancer survivors compared to a control group, with participants increasing their daily steps and overall well-being over a 6-month period.

The social media component of the intervention enhanced perceived social support among cancer survivors, indicating that social interaction can play a beneficial role in their recovery and health management.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of personalized exercise prescriptions and social media delivered through mobile health on cancer survivors' physical activity and quality of life. Gao, Z., Ryu, S., Zhou, W., et al.[2023]

A study involving 23 colorectal and endometrial cancer survivors revealed that prioritizing physical activity (PA) significantly influenced their engagement and success in changing their PA behavior, with commitment being a key factor.

The use of a Fitbit as a health coach was identified as a crucial element of the intervention, suggesting that wearable technology can effectively promote physical activity by helping individuals monitor their progress and stay accountable.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Experiences and facilitators of physical activity engagement amongst colorectal and endometrial cancer survivors: the Wearable Activity Technology and Action-Planning (WATAAP) trial. Hardcastle, SJ., Douglass, E., Wilson, B., et al.[2023]

The pilot study showed that a digital health intervention using Fitbit devices and SMS text messages is feasible for increasing physical activity in colorectal cancer patients during chemotherapy, with a high follow-up rate of 91% and good adherence to the Fitbit (80% of study days).

Participants expressed high satisfaction with the intervention, particularly with the Fitbit, but indicated a need for more personalized SMS content, highlighting the importance of tailoring digital health interventions to enhance engagement.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Physical Activity Tracker and Text Messages to Promote Physical Activity During Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (Smart Pace II). Van Blarigan, EL., Dhruva, A., Atreya, CE., et al.[2022]

A 12-week digital health intervention using a Fitbit and daily text messages showed a significant improvement in functional well-being for colorectal cancer survivors, as measured by the FACT-C scale.

While the intervention group experienced a notable increase in their functional well-being, the control group showed no change, suggesting that digital health tools may have a positive impact on quality of life for CRC survivors, although further research is needed.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Quality of life of colorectal cancer survivors participating in a pilot randomized controlled trial of physical activity trackers and daily text messages. Chan, H., Van Loon, K., Kenfield, SA., et al.[2023]

The 'ColorectAlong' smartphone application was developed to aid self-management in colorectal cancer patients, featuring tools for medication, nutrition, pain management, and mental health support.

In a usability study with 17 patients over 2 weeks, the app received a high satisfaction score of 8.03 out of 9, indicating it effectively assists patients in managing their condition and accessing important information.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Smartphone-based application for self-management of patients with colorectal cancer: development and usability evaluation. Salmani, H., Nahvijou, A., Sheikhtaheri, A.[2022]

mHealth applications have shown promise in improving pain and fatigue outcomes for cancer survivors, with three out of four studies reporting positive results for pain and four studies indicating improvements in fatigue.

While there is some evidence for benefits in psychological distress and sleep outcomes, the results were mixed, highlighting the need for further development and targeted approaches in mHealth interventions for cancer care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effectiveness of mHealth for self-management in improving pain, psychological distress, fatigue, and sleep in cancer survivors: a systematic review. Hernandez Silva, E., Lawler, S., Langbecker, D.[2020]

A pilot trial involving 50 breast and colorectal cancer survivors showed that adding a 12-week technology-based physical activity module to standard care significantly improved physical health, mental health, sleep quality, and exercise self-efficacy.

The intervention led to moderate-to-large effect sizes in various health-related quality of life measures, suggesting that integrating technology into survivorship care plans could effectively support cancer survivors' overall well-being.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of a technology-supported physical activity intervention on health-related quality of life, sleep, and processes of behavior change in cancer survivors: A randomized controlled trial. Rastogi, S., Tevaarwerk, AJ., Sesto, M., et al.[2021]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12156048/

The effectiveness of mobile health intervention in colorectal ... The results indicated a significant improvement in screening rates when utilizing mHealth interventions, which included text messages, videos, and telephone ...

2. jnccn.org jnccn.org/view/journals/jnccn/22/2.5/article-HSR24-149.xml

HSR24-149: Mobile Health (mHealth) Interventions for ... The QoL outcome was varied: two studies reported enhancements, and three found no significant differences. Conclusion: Evidence from this review ...

3. cdn.clinicaltrials.gov cdn.clinicaltrials.gov/large-docs/71/NCT07158671/Prot_SAP_000.pdf

Effectiveness of mHealth-based survivorship programme on ... outcomes and healthcare-related variables among colorectal cancer survivors: A cross- sectional survey study. International journal of nursing studies, 101 ...

4. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41746-025-01716-w

A randomized controlled trial of a digital lifestyle ... This study examined the impact of digital intervention through mobile applications designed to help patients with CRC manage their lifestyle ...

5. mhealth.jmir.org mhealth.jmir.org/2024/1/e53652/

Integrative Review - JMIR mHealth and uHealth Results: A total of 20 studies were included, with the overall quality rated as high (n=15) to good (n=5). Using mHealth apps to monitor and ...

6. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-rectal-neoplasms-4-2024-e01d8?condition=&query=Goals+of+Care+Discussions&overallStatus=Recruiting&hasNoPlacebo=false

Mobile Health App for Colorectal Cancer Survivors The studies on mobile health apps for colorectal cancer survivors focus on their feasibility and acceptability, which suggests they are generally safe to use.

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8578050/

Mobile Health Applications, Cancer Survivors and Lifestyle ... To date, systematic reviews have yet to examine the use of mobile health interventions for lifestyle behavior improvement among cancer survivors.

8. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2072-6694/14/15/3816

mHealth Interventions to Promote a Healthy Diet and ... In this review, we summarize findings from recent (in the past ~5 years) randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with mHealth interventions focused on healthy diet ...

9. mhealth.jmir.org mhealth.jmir.org/2025/1/e65505

Efficacy of Mobile App–Based Dietary Interventions Among ... The emergence of mobile health (mHealth) technology has revolutionized the provision of remote care for cancer survivors, enabling dietary ...

10. patlynk.com patlynk.com/trial/NCT07158671

mHealth Program for Quality of Life in Colorectal Cancer ... This app-based program will offer education on managing symptoms, nutrition, and exercise, as well as health coaching from nurses. The study will involve 210 ...