A feasibility esplorative study of a novel modality of using patient reported outcomes for patients with rare cancers and melanoma (prosexplor).

Objectives: This study tested the feasibility of using a simplified Patient Reported Outcomes questionnaire (sPQs) in routine clinical practice. Methodology: A baseline questionnaire was completed by patients before starting treatment and in the interval time between courses (a total of 4 questionnaires). The results were communicated to a data manager who alerted the oncologist in case of replies differing from the basal/previous. The patient was referred to the nurse or general practitioner or specialist. A satisfaction survey was also done. Results: In a 3-months interval, 27 patients were enrolled. Fatigue and nausea were the most frequent symptoms reported as worsening. The oncologist managed toxicities in 4 cases, therapy variations were recommended by the nurse in 14 cases, visits was performed in 6 patients, 1 patient was hospitalized. None of patients had unplanned accesses to the emergency room or to the hospital. The questionnaire was judged simple and useful. Conclusions: The use of sPQs in the routine clinical practice was feasible and well accepted by patients. sPQs allowed to promptly recognize and manage toxicities reducing to zero unplanned accesses.