Reminder App to Optimize Bladder Filling During Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer
This study is for men with prostate cancer who are having radiotherapy. Radiotherapy can sometimes cause bladder problems if the bladder isn't full enough. We're testing a special phone app that reminds patients to drink water before each treatment session. The main aim is to find out if using this app helps keep the bladder at a good size (above 200 ml) during radiotherapy. This could potentially lower the chances of uncomfortable side effects like inflammation. We'll compare how well the bladder stays full in men using the app to past patients who didn't use it. We're also checking how easy and helpful patients find the app.
A colpo d'occhio
Di cosa tratta questo studio?
When men with prostate cancer have radiotherapy, it's really important for their bladder to be a certain size – specifically, it needs to be filled up enough. If the bladder is too empty, it can sometimes lead to uncomfortable side effects during or after treatment, like irritation or inflammation.
To help with this, doctors often advise patients to drink enough water before their radiotherapy sessions. However, remembering to drink a specific amount at just the right time can be tricky, especially for older patients or those managing other health concerns. This is where a new idea comes in: a mobile phone app designed to give helpful reminders.
This study is testing whether a special app can make it easier for men to keep their bladder at the right size during radiotherapy. The app will remind them to drink 300 ml of water (about half a pint) 45 minutes before each treatment. We want to see if using this app helps more treatment sessions happen with the bladder comfortably full (over 200 ml) compared to what we've seen in the past without an app. We're also keen to hear what patients think about using the app and if it makes their treatment journey a bit smoother.
Punti chiave
- The study tests a smartphone app to improve bladder filling during prostate cancer radiotherapy.
- A fuller bladder during treatment might reduce side effects.
- The app reminds patients to drink 300 ml of water 45 minutes before each session.
- Patients need to have a smartphone and be able to use the app.
- The study compares bladder fullness in app users to previous patients.
- Patient satisfaction with the app will also be assessed.
Chi può essere idoneo?
This study is looking for men who have been diagnosed with high-risk prostate cancer and are planning to have radiotherapy as their main treatment. You'll need to have a smartphone and be comfortable using it, as the study involves a special reminder app.
Importantly, when you have your initial planning scans for radiotherapy, your bladder volume needs to be measured at less than 200 ml. This means your bladder isn't as full as it usually would be. You must also be at least 18 years old and able to understand and agree to take part in the study.
Questo studio potrebbe fare al caso tuo?
Rispondi a queste domande rapide per vedere se potresti essere idoneo. Questo è solo una guida — il team di ricerca prende la decisione finale.
- Have I been diagnosed with high-risk prostate cancer?
- Am I having radiotherapy as my main treatment?
- Do I own a smartphone and feel comfortable using apps?
- Was my bladder volume less than 200 ml during my CT planning scan?
- Am I male and at least 18 years old?
Cosa comporta la partecipazione?
If you join this study, your main task will be to use a reminder app on your smartphone throughout your radiotherapy treatment. This app will prompt you to drink 300 ml (just over half a pint) of water about 45 minutes before each of your radiotherapy sessions. You will continue with your standard radiotherapy treatment as planned.
The doctors will regularly check the size of your bladder during your treatment, just as they normally would. At the end of your radiotherapy, you'll be asked to share your thoughts on the app – how easy it was to use and if you found it helpful. The total time you'll be involved in the study is just for the duration of your radiotherapy course, which typically involves 35 sessions.
Rischi e benefici potenziali
Luoghi (5)
- Vejle Hospital, University Hospital of Southern DenmarkCodice postale verificatoVejle, Denmark
- Medical Practice for Radiotherapy and Radiation OncologyCodice postale verificatoHannover, Germania
- Medical School Hamburg, Schwerin CampusCodice postale verificatoSchwerin, Germany
- Malteser Hospital St. FranziskusCodice postale verificatoFlensburg, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Lübeck and University Medical Center Schleswig-HolsteinCodice postale verificatoLübeck, Germania
Domande comuni
Che cos'è la radioterapia?
Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells and is a common treatment for prostate cancer.
Why is bladder size important during radiotherapy?
Keeping your bladder full helps to protect healthy tissues around the prostate from the radiation, which can reduce side effects.
What kind of app is it?
It's a reminder app for your smartphone that will tell you when to drink water before your treatment sessions.
How much water do I need to drink?
The app will remind you to drink 300 ml (about half a pint) of water 45 minutes before each session.
Will using the app change my treatment plan?
No, the app is an addition to your standard radiotherapy treatment; it won't change your planned appointments or radiation doses.
Come saperne di più
Dirk Rades, Prof. Dr.
Parla sempre con il tuo medico di base o specialista prima di decidere di partecipare a uno studio.
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