ABSTRACT

Oral anticancer agents are increasingly used in place of traditional intravenous chemotherapy

to treat patients with cancer. Their long term use raises questions about patients’ adherence to

prescribed regimens. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a smartphone mobile

app (OKTED) to improve adherence and symptom management in patients prescribed oral

anticancer agents.

The study was conducted with a randomized controlled experimental design. Patients (n=98)

with diverse cancers prescribed oral anticancer agent were randomized to receive either the

smartphone mobile app or standard care. Patients were followed for six months. The primary

outcome was adherence, measured self-report (Oral Chemotherapy Adherence Scale; OCAS).

To assess symptoms participants completed the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale, at baseline and 4 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks. In the analysis of the data Chi-square, t test in independent groups, variance analysis in repeated measures were used. There was a statistically significant difference between OCAS pre- test and follow-up scores of the experimental group (p<0,05). There was a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the mean MSAS scores at the 3rd and 4th follow-ups (p <0,05). Mobile application was effective on symptom management and increasing medication adherence. Although potentially not for everyone taking oral anticancer agents, a smartphone mobile app to improve adherence and symptom management may be useful for patients with certain risk factors, such as those struggling with adherence.

Keywords: cancer, medication adherence, mobile apps, oral anticancer agents, oral chemotherapy