[Efficacy of Cancer Treatment with Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Monitoring and Future Expectations]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Digital Health
• Patient-Reported Outcomes

Context:

• Traditional adverse event assessment in oncology often underestimates patient symptoms compared to patient self-reporting.
• Patient-centered care necessitates robust monitoring of patient-reported outcomes (PROs).
• Electronic PROs (ePROs) offer efficient, remote data collection via devices like tablets and smartphones.

Purpose:

• To highlight the necessity and utility of ePRO monitoring in cancer patient treatment.
• To discuss challenges and propose solutions for the widespread adoption of ePROs in clinical practice.
• To explore the future prospects of ePRO systems in daily oncology care.

Summary:

• ePRO systems facilitate real-time, remote symptom monitoring and timely interventions.
• Sharing patient-entered PRO data with healthcare providers improves care delivery, even without in-person visits.
• ePRO implementation has been linked to enhanced patient quality of life and increased overall survival.

Impact:

• Despite the availability of ePRO systems in Japan, their adoption in routine cancer care remains limited.
• Addressing barriers to ePRO implementation is crucial for realizing their full potential in improving patient outcomes.
• Widespread use of ePROs promises a more patient-centered approach to cancer treatment and management.