National Cancer Institute - Cancer.gov

Digital Oncology Studies

Using digital technology to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients

How it Works

Active Data Collection

telehealth appointment

We currently have two methods of collecting health data that involve active patient participation.

Telemedicine
Participants can interact with physicians electronically and report on their physical status from anywhere in the country through telemedicine. We use electronic communications technology to provide clinical services to patients, without the need for in-person visits.

Personal Digital Tools
Cancer patients can also use personal digital tools such as smart phones and smart watches to securely report data on cancer-related issues, such as their ability to perform daily activities without help and their levels of fatigue, mental clarity and pain directly to their healthcare providers. In addition, cancer patients can use devices such as virtual reality headsets and mobile applications as a means of intervention to reduce stress and anxiety related to their cancer and treatment.

Passive Data Collection

Passive data collection can provide more objective, timely and accurate data to researchers as compared to patient self-reporting and recall.

smart watch

Personal digital tools can also be used to track a patient’s functional status in areas such as activity level, heart rate, and blood pressure. This can provide important feedback to healthcare providers for consistent monitoring. 

Patient-reported pain can be influenced by a variety of factors and what a patient thinks a doctor wants to hear. But video of a patient’s facial expressions and voice can objectively capture levels of pain the patient may not even be aware of. 

Together, we are studying how these active and passive measures of patient function can provide greater insight into the effect of treatments and improve patients’ overall experience with cancer care.

Patient Privacy
Our clinical trial teams are committed to protecting patient privacy and minimizing the amount of consumer data a person leaves on the internet as they interact with web sites and services.  We comply with HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations at all times. 

Clinic tests are short and can be scheduled to avoid times when patients are felling tired or unwell.

Clinical Trials

EDEN Study (Effect of Diet and Exercise on ImmuNotherapy and the Microbiome)

This 100% virtual study assesses the gut microbiome (all the microorganisms that live in the digestive tract) in melanoma patients and its response to immunotherapy. A wearable Garmin device and food-tracking app monitor patients’ physical activity and compliance with a plant-based, high-fiber diet.

The Effect of Diet and Exercise on ImmuNotherapy and the Microbiome (EDEN)

Clinical Team

DOS EDEN Study Staff

 

 Smart B3 Study (Smart Brain and Body Biometrics)

The Smart B3 Study provides each study participant with an Apple Watch or iPhone. These collect patient information that clinicians can use to assess each patient’s physical and cognitive performance.

A Feasibility Study of Mobile Sensor Technologies to Assess General Symptomology of Cancer Patients

Clinical Team

DOS B3 Study

ISS Study (Intelligent Sight and Sound)

The ISS Study uses machine-learning technology, which automatically improves through experience and data collection, to assess cancer patients’ pain levels. Video and voice recordings measure pain levels using unique algorithms that recognize male, female, adult, and pediatric participants, and a wide range of skin tones.

Watch informational video.

A Feasibility Study Investigating the Use of Machine Learning to Analyze Facial Imaging, Voice and Spoken Language for the Capture and Classification of Cancer/Tumor Pain

Clinical Team

DOS ISS team

DOS Trials in Brain Cancer

Virtual Reality Study

Brain cancer patients often feel distressed and anxious before MRI scans and clinical appointments. This study will determine if using a virtual reality headset to teach relaxation, breathing, and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and improve mood and overall feelings of well-being in these patients.

Immersive Virtual Reality (VR) at the Time of Clinical Evaluation to Improve Psychological Distress and Anxiety in Primary Brain Tumor (PBT) Patients

Clinical Team

DOS Virtual Reality Team

Sleep Observation Study

Participants will wear a smart device to measure daytime sleepiness and activity. This will provide clinicians with insight into the effect of sleep disturbance on people with brain cancers.

Assessing Sleep and Circadian Rhythms in Primary Brain Tumors Patients

Clinical Team

DOS Sleep Observation Study Team

CALM Therapy Intervention Study

The Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) study uses individualized therapy to reduce depression and improve mood in patients with advanced brain tumors.

Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) Therapy in Individuals Diagnosed With a Primary Brain Tumor

Clinical Team

DOS CALM Study Team

 Exploring Outcomes and Risk in Patients with Rare Central Nervous System Tumors

The Risk and Outcomes study collects health information via a survey and genetic information that helps to understand changes associated with a rare CNS diagnosis to eventually screen for these changes for the purposes of diagnosis and treatment.

A Natural History Study Assessing Risk Factors Associated with a Rare CNS tumor

Clinical Team

DOS natural histrory study team

DOS Trials in Pediatric Oncology

ACT Now for Parenting Stress (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Parents of Children with RASopathies)

This study assesses if a fully online coaching intervention can reduce parenting stress in parents of children who have been diagnosed with a RASopathy. The intervention is based on principles of Acceptance and Commitment therapy and consists of a mix of live video-coaching sessions as well as weekly videos discussing ACT skills. Parents will receive the videos and complete short daily questionnaires through an app on their phones.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Caregivers of Children With a RASopathy: An Internal Pilot Feasibility Study and Follow-up Randomized Control Trial

Clinical Team

DOS ACT Now for Parenting Stress Study Clinical Team

PACE Study (Physical Activity for Cognitive Effects in Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors) 

This study assesses if an at-home physical activity intervention can improve cognitive functions in children who had radiation therapy for a brain tumor. Participants receive a wearable Polar device to monitor physical activity.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating an Enhanced Physical Activity Intervention to Improve Cognitive Late Effects in Children Treated with Cranial Radiation for Brain Tumors

Clinical Team

DOS PACE Study Clinical Team

Development and Validation of Patient Reported Outcome (PRO) Measures for Individuals with Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) and Plexiform Neurofibromas (pNFs)

This study evaluates two new electronic measures of pain intensity and pain interference for children and adults with NF1 and plexiform neurofibromas (pNFs). Participants 8 years and older with NF1 and pNFs will complete measures electronically from home for two weeks in a row using a mobile app or computer.

Development and Validation of Patient Reported Outcome (PRO) Measures for Individuals with Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) and Plexiform Neurofibromas (pNFs)

Research Team

DOS Validation of Patient Reported Outcomes Research Team

Feasibility and Validation of Checking IN

Checking IN is a brief and interactive electronic screening measure designed to assist clinicians in assessing the presence of psychosocial distress in children and adolescents, aged 8-21, with cancer and other serious medical illnesses. This study aims to assess the feasibility, accessibility and validity of the Checking IN screener. 

Checking Out Checking In: The Development and Validation of an Electronic Screening Tool for Pediatric Psychosocial Distress

Research Team

Margaret Pao, Lori Wiener, Sima Zadeh, Mallorie Gordon

Phone

Interested in a clinical trial?

If you are a patient or referring physician interested in a clinical trial or you have questions, please contact us.

1-888-624-1937

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