Background: Although there is a relatively better prognosis, the 5-year survival rate for
early stage lung cancer (Stage I, II, IIIA) is still relatively low compared to those
other types of cancer. These patients might suffer lots from the uncertainty and
substantial disease and treatment related physical changes. How to provide a feasible OPD
personalized supportive care program is important.
Purpose: Main purpose of the study: (1) Develop and construct the contents, related
patient education materials and computerized systems of the three evidence and
service-based lung cancer care programs, including (a) Control as usual care (UC), and
(b) Computer Assisted OPD Personalized Supportive Care Program (COPSCCP) (will be
developed and structured the contents and computer system in the first 4 months of this
research project); and (2) Compare the effects of COPSCCP and care as usual on
self-report quality of life (QOL), physical symptoms, lung function, Depression, Anxiety,
fear of recurrence, Unmet Cancer Needs, recurrence rate. Each patient will be follow for
2 years. Patients with recurrence, metastasis will be dropped out from the study (and
refer to medical oncology).
Method: Eligible patients will be newly diagnosed early stage lung cancer patients
(patients in stage I, II, & IIIA) who have received surgery. A 2-group randomized control
trial (RCT) matching with cancer stages will be conducted. For the COPSCCP, patients will
be intervened for 6 months from the first time during hospitalization of receiving
surgery or before hospital discharge and then OPD intervention. Each patient will be
followed 6 time points for 2 years (will be drop and refer to medical oncology while
having recurrence, metastasis or death): baseline (pre-discharge from hospital) and 1, 3,
6, 12, and 24 months after discharge from hospital, T1-T6, respectively. The outcomes
indicators will include: psychological variables, physical/disease variables, symptoms,
lung function, and recurrence rate during 2 years. The estimated subjects would be 150
for each group, totally 300 subjects recruited in the beginning of the study. Results
would be analyzed mainly by GEE and survival analysis. IRB approval will be received
before the RCT. The investigator expects to develop and test the supportive cancer care
interventions and generalize the interventions into the cancer care system after the
study if prove good outcomes.