Telecommunication Methods for Cancer Medication Adherence

Overseen By Elizabeth Prechtel Dunphy, DNP

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine

Must be taking: Oral cancer agents

Disqualifiers: Chemoradiation, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 8

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how different communication methods can help people adhere to their oral cancer medication schedules. It compares phone calls (Intervention A - Telephone) and video calls (Intervention B - Televideo) to determine which method better aids patients in understanding their treatment and managing side effects. The trial targets individuals diagnosed with cancer who are beginning oral cancer medication and receiving care at the Abramson Cancer Center in Pennsylvania. Participants must have access to a video platform provided by UPENN for the trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance communication strategies in cancer care.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on starting an oral cancer medication, so you may be able to continue your other medications, but it's best to confirm with the study team.

What prior data suggests that these telecommunication methods are safe for evaluating medication adherence?

Research shows that phone and video calls safely help cancer patients take their medication on time. Studies find that mobile health tools, such as phone calls, are well-received by patients and aid in adherence to medication plans. These tools have no direct physical effects, making them very safe.

For video calls, research suggests that digital methods assist patients in maintaining their oral cancer treatments. This approach appears to reduce the likelihood of missed medication. Since it involves digital communication rather than direct medical treatment, it carries very low risk.

Both methods focus on supporting patients through communication, not altering their medical treatment, making them generally safe options for improving medication adherence. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how telecommunication methods can improve medication adherence for cancer patients. Unlike traditional in-person visits that can be time-consuming or challenging for patients, this trial looks at using telephone and televideo evaluations to make it easier for patients to stay on track with their treatments. These methods could offer a more convenient, accessible way for patients to receive support and guidance, potentially leading to better health outcomes.

What evidence suggests that these telecommunication methods are effective for improving cancer medication adherence?

This trial will compare two telecommunication methods to support cancer medication adherence: phone calls and video chats. Research has shown that mobile health tools, such as phone calls, can improve patients' adherence to medication schedules and help manage symptoms. Video chats have demonstrated similar benefits, making it easier for patients to understand and follow their treatment plans. Overall, individuals using these digital tools are less likely to miss their medication. This suggests that both phone calls and video chats can effectively support cancer patients in taking their oral medications. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for cancer patients who need to take oral chemotherapy and are willing to be monitored over the phone or through video calls. The study will include those who can follow a standardized education protocol about their medication.

Inclusion Criteria

I am starting treatment with a pill for cancer.

Lives in Pennsylvania

Receives cancer care at Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center

Exclusion Criteria

Does not have access to the UPENN televideo platform

Does not live in Pennsylvania

I am unable to give my own consent for medical procedures.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Education and Initial Assessment

Initial medication education using a standardized tool and assessment of adherence and toxicity

1 week

1 visit (virtual)

Monitoring and Assessment

Regular monitoring of adherence and toxicity through televideo or telephonic interactions

16 weeks

7 visits (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Intervention A- Telephone
• Intervention B- Televideo

Trial Overview The study is testing if teaching patients about their oral chemotherapy using phone calls (Intervention A) or video calls (Intervention B) affects how well they stick to their medication regimen.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Telephonic and telemedicine evaluation Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Patients will be randomized to telephonic or telemedicine evaluation during participation in the study

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine

Lead Sponsor

Trials

425

Recruited

464,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9642910/

Examining Medication Adherence Outcomes Among ... This review finds mHealth interventions are an acceptable approach that may improve adherence outcomes for patients with cancer.

2. ons.org ons.org/publications-research/cjon/25/4/mobile-health-interventions-examining-medication-adherence-outcomes

Mobile Health Interventions: Examining Medication ... Findings: Mobile health interventions are an acceptable approach among patients with cancer and may improve adherence outcomes for those at highest risk for ...

3. annalsofoncology.org annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(24)01920-3/fulltext

CN15 Mobile application-based intervention study in ... Conclusions. The present study significantly improved medication adherence and multiple QoL domains in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy over 6 months.

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1462388921000752

The effect of a mobile application on treatment adherence ... This study has found that the mobile application was effective in increasing symptom management and treatment adherence in patients.

5. cancer.jmir.org cancer.jmir.org/2025/1/e64208

The Efficacy of Digital Interventions on Adherence to Oral ... Conclusions: Digital intervention users exhibited significantly lower risk of poor oral SACTs adherence than nonusers. Acknowledging individual ...

6. formative.jmir.org formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e65302

Digital Solution to Support Medication Adherence and Self ... This study tested the acceptability, feasibility, and potential effects of Safety and Adherence to Medications and Self-care Advice in Oncology (SAMSON)

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1551741124000810

A systematic review of synchronous telepharmacy service ... There were 3 main types of patient outcomes identified: enhanced patient support and safety, survival, and adherence (Table 2). Table 2. Cancer telepharmacy ...

8. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02375776

Improving Outcomes in Cancer Patients on Oral Anti- ... This study evaluates a smart phone based mobile application designed for patients with Renal Cell and Prostate Cancer taking oral anti-cancer medications.