Trial Information

Interactive Cancer Communication System (ICCS) in Lung Cancer: Evaluating Survival Benefits. Center of Excellence in Cancer Communication Research: Using Technology to Enhance Cancer Communication and Improve Clinical Outcomes

The prognosis for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer patients remains poor despite recent advances
in anti-cancer therapies. A lung cancer diagnosis often inflicts fear, despair, and
hopelessness on patients and loved ones. For lung cancer patients in particular, a
population where palliation rather than cure is often the focus, interventions addressing
communication about various types of suffering are crucial to quality of life (QOL). Our
Center has done extensive research testing CHESS (Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support
System), a non-commercial, web-based information and support system. The recent Clinician
Integration Project tested the impact of CHESS versus an Internet only Control group on QOL
for caregivers of advanced stage lung cancer patients. This study yielded an unanticipated
finding that CHESS may have a survival benefit for patients as one year survival was
significantly increased in the CHESS group (50%) compared to Internet (34.2%). As this
project did not focus on patient outcomes, follow-up with a well-formulated study designed
and powered to address specific hypotheses of the nature of this effect is critical. The
proposed study will specifically test QOL and survival effects of CHESS on lung cancer
patients. Using sites in Wisconsin, Connecticut,Houston, and Chicago, we will randomly
assign 376 advanced lung cancer patients to two study arms: a patient control group
receiving Usual Care (including access to a computer and Internet) and a group given access
to the CHESS website. Patients may invite a caregiver to participate. Patients will be
followed for 18 months or until patient death.