clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01625546.

No abstract

Objective: To systematically summarize the findings from research studies examining the effects of whole-body hyperthermia (WBH) interventions on mood and symptoms of depression. Methods: Systematic literature search of online and offline databases (e.g., Pubmed, Web of Knowledge, Cochrane, academic libraries). Risk of bias assessment and secondary analysis of effect sizes. Study selection: Clinical studies with a pre/post-intervention design and outcome measures for mood and depression as accepted in the S-3 guidelines (Association of Scientific Medical Societies in Germany). Data extraction: Study characteristics and outcomes (means and standard deviations) from participants receiving at least one WBH intervention. Results: A total of 7 studies and 148 subjects with a mean age of 46 years (36-56 years) were identified. Three out of seven studies utilized hot baths and 4/7 infrared heating. Study duration ranged from 1 to 6 weeks with one or multiple interventions and an average treatment time of 66.37 min (42.55-140). Risk of bias analysis revealed small sample biases and lack of control groups in 3/7 studies. About 21 study end-points were extracted with 19 resulting in effects sizes (Cohen's d) of 0.8 or greater. Target temperatures between 38 C and 39 C and slower increase in core body temperature during the intervention resulted in larger treatment effects. Conclusion: WBH is a promising alternative treatment for depression with low risk for adverse reactions and side effects but still lacking sufficient evidence for general recommendations for clinical practice. However, as all other interventions have failed, the studies to date can provide a framework for clinical application.

297 Background: Side effects after cancer treatment are ubiquitous, seen in up to 98.3% of patients in one Phase III lymphoma trial. Additionally, cancer patients are at a greater risk of mortality from infections such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), prompting recommendations for routine screening. Current care delivery model, reliant on self- triaging of symptoms by patients results in delayed management and avoidable emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Technology based symptom monitoring allows early identification of complications, reduces symptom burden, cost of care and enables early detection of relapse. We studied utility of a mobile-health tool for toxicity monitoring and COVID-19 screening. Methods: We developed an application that periodically delivers disease specific toxicity questionnaires to patients following cancer treatment. Based on NCI- PRO-CTCAE form builder, the questions are delivered through SMS or e-mail. Responses crossing pre-specified thresholds are flagged for manual care team follow-up. Patient and staff experience as well as medical interventions are captured. Results: Currently, 68 patients with different malignancies are enrolled. Median age 60 years (range 24-85), 35 males, 31 females. 72.35% patients rated user experience at 4 or higher (1-5 scale, 5 highest). Aggregate provider rating was 3.25 (1-5 scale, 5 highest). Of 639 captured responses, 157 reported fatigue, 145 no symptoms, 57 nausea/vomiting or diarrhea, 52 numbness/tingling and 48 shortness of breath. 76 responses were flagged for nurse follow-up calls. These resulted in 72 successful outpatient symptom management, 2 hospitalizations for neutropenic fever, 1 MRI diagnosis of radiation necrosis and 1 diagnosis of lymphoma progression. 92% of patients received a follow up within one business day. Median time between response recorded and follow up completed was 55 minutes. Of 1299 responses recorded by COVID-19 screening, 1175 reported no symptoms. All positive responses (47 cough, 52 diarrhea, 5 fever and 20 dyspnea) were false positives. Study is ongoing with recent implementation of a distress screening and survivorship modules. Conclusions: Electronic capture of symptoms using connected technology is feasible and can be used to screen cancer patients for treatment related complications as well as pandemic related illnesses.