A pilot study of an accelerometer-equipped smartphone to monitor older adults with cancer receiving chemotherapy in Mexico. Issue 2 (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Soto-Perez-De-Celis, Enrique; Kim, Heeyoung; Rojo-Castillo, María Patricia; Sun, Can-Lan; Chavarri-Guerra, Yanin; Navarrete-Reyes, Ana Patricia; Waisman, James R.; Avila-Funes, José Alberto; Aguayo, Álvaro; Hurria, Arti
• Is Part Of: Journal of geriatric oncology. Volume 9:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 145
• Page End: 151
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: Developing countries -- Mobile applications -- Monitoring, ambulatory -- Remote sensing technology -- Toxicity; Geriatric oncology -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Aged -- Periodicals; Geriatric oncology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 618.976994005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2017.09.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1879-4068

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Older adults with cancer in developing countries face challenges accessing healthcare due to a lack of personnel and infrastructure. A decline in physical activity (defined as a decrease in the number of daily steps) may be a novel method for the timely detection of toxicity in older adults receiving chemotherapy in resource-constrained settings. Materials and Methods: In this feasibility study, patients aged ≥ 65 years starting first-line chemotherapy for solid tumors were given a smartphone with a pedometer application. Daily steps were monitored daily for one cycle. If a ≥ 15% decrease from baseline was identified, the patient was called and the presence of toxicity assessed. The intervention would be feasible if ≥ 75% of the subjects recorded steps for ≥ 75% of the planned chemotherapy days. Results: Forty patients (median age 73; 57% [N = 23] female) were included. Seventy percent (N = 28) had stage III-IV disease with 45% (N = 18) gastrointestinal, 23% (N = 9) breast, and 32% (N = 13) other malignancies. Mean pre-treatment daily steps was 3111 (Standard Deviation [SD] 1731), and median follow-up was 21 days (range 2–28). Despite having limited exposure to mobile technology, most (93%) patients used the smartphone appropriately, and 85% found it easy to use. Sixty percent of patients (N = 24) had toxicities managed over the phone, 27.5% (N = 10) were sent for urgent medical attention and 15% (N = 6) were hospitalized. Conclusion: Using smartphones to monitor older adults with cancer receiving chemotherapy in a resource-constrained setting is feasible and acceptable. A decrease in the number of daily steps was common and helped to identify chemotherapy toxicity.