Oncology

Protocol: Systematic review of test–retest reliability methods for PROMs in adult cancer patients

This protocol will systematically review methods used to assess test–retest reliability of PROMs in adult cancer populations. Investigators will extract retest intervals, sample sizes, patient stability assessments, and statistical approaches from original studies. Methodological quality will be appraised with the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist and reporting checked against COSMIN v2.0. Due to expected heterogeneity, the authors plan a narrative synthesis rather than meta‑analysis. 1

Phase 2 monotherapy trials in solid tumors show low response and short survival versus phase 3

Meta‑analysis of 130 phase 2 and 52 phase 3 monotherapy arms found pooled ORR 7% in phase 2 versus 24% in phase 3 (p<0.0001). Median PFS was shorter in phase 2 (3.23 vs 5.43 months) and median OS was also shorter (9.46 vs 14.44 months). Grade 3–4 drug‑related adverse events were common in phase 2 (30% pooled rate) and similar to phase 3 estimates. Authors conclude phase 2 monotherapy usually offers limited therapeutic benefit and should mainly be justified by research aims. 2

WECARE digital symptom platform feasible after gastrectomy but no KOQUSS-40 benefit at 6 months

In a multicenter RCT of 88 gastric cancer survivors, the WECARE platform achieved 86.7% adherence and 82% satisfaction. The primary endpoint KOQUSS‑40 at 6 months did not differ between WECARE and control (85.3 vs 83.8, p=0.603). WECARE users reported improved self‑management and showed a numerically faster recovery trajectory from acute postoperative symptoms. A subgroup signal favored reflux symptom control (p=0.0856), suggesting targeted benefits that warrant larger trials. 3