Article:: Care,Healthcare

Self-reporting of symptoms in cancer care

Research-Based Symptom Reporting for Cancer Treatment Improves Outcomes

Studies show that patients self-reporting symptoms during cancer treatment can lead to longer survival, better quality of life, and fewer emergency visits. This insight prompted the launch of a project in Sweden to test a digital method for symptom reporting among cancer patients.

Solution

In the pilot, patients use an app to report symptoms like neuropathy (nerve damage), using standardised forms on their own smartphones. This data helps healthcare providers adjust treatment early, potentially reducing severe or lasting side effects. If neuropathy symptoms appear, providers can change treatment timing or dosage. The app also includes self-care advice, information, and messaging options, including video appointments.

Target Group

The app is aimed at cancer care professionals and patients who may face serious treatment side effects, especially nerve-related symptoms. In this pilot, the target group included patients receiving platinum-based treatments for colorectal cancer.

Purpose

The project’s goal is to catch and manage symptoms early, improving patient outcomes by reducing long-term side effects. The app makes it easier for patients to track symptoms and know when to reach out for medical help.

Results

Preliminary results from the ongoing pilot indicate early detection of neuropathy symptoms and better-suited treatment adjustments. Patients have found digital communication helpful, reducing the need for hospital visits. Many report feeling more aware of their symptoms and confident in managing them with the app’s guidance.

The healthcare department involved is now exploring how to permanently integrate this approach into standard practice.

Regulatory Compliance

The solution is provided on the Cuviva RPM platform, a CE-marked, MDR Class IIa medical device. As patient-reported data influences treatment decisions, regulatory classification under European law is required.

Links

For further reading on research about symptom monitoring during cancer treatment:

• National Center for Biotechnology Information – Symptom Monitoring With Patient-Reported Outcomes During Routine Cancer Treatment: A Randomised Controlled Trial
• National Center for Biotechnology Information – Randomised Trial Comparing a Web-Mediated Follow-up With Routine Surveillance in Lung Cancer Patients
• National Center for Biotechnology Information – Detecting lung cancer relapse using self-evaluation forms weekly filled at home: the sentinel follow-up