ADAPTS Mobile App to Promote Oral Chemotherapy Adherence in Adolescents and Young Adults with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia or Lymphoma
This clinical trial refines and tests a mobile application (app), called Adherence Assessments and Personalized Timely Support (ADAPTS), to promote oral chemotherapy adherence (taking medication as directed) in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or lymphoma. ALL or lymphoma are common forms of cancer in AYAs and often have poor survival outcomes which could be partially attributed to a modifiable behavior, low medication adherence. ALL or lymphoma AYAs must take a daily oral chemotherapy called mercaptopurine (6-MP) during the 2-3 years of maintenance therapy, which is important for keeping cancer from coming back and for survival. Adherence is often at odds with normal adolescent and emerging adulthood developmental goals, such as establishing independence, navigating social pressures, developing intimate romantic relationships, and pursuing educational and employment goals. AYAs are also more likely to make health choices based on how they feel each day, rather than distant consequences. There are also longer intervals between clinic visits during the maintenance treatment phase, placing greater responsibility on AYAs and their caregivers to self-manage 6-MP and associated side effects (e.g., nausea, fatigue) from home. The ADAPTS app allows engagement with AYAs and their caregivers to assess physical symptoms, mood, motivation, family interactions, location, and social company, as well as deliver tailored mobile messages. This app also includes content designed to support app engagement (such as inspirational quotes), as well as a medication calendar and list of all prescribed medications. The ADAPTS mobile app may help AYAs and their caregivers better manage maintenance chemotherapy and improve overall medication adherence to improve survival outcomes.