Evaluating an Interactive Cancer Communication System (ICCS) in Lung Cancer

The prognosis for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer patients remains poor despite recent advances in
anti-cancer therapies. A lung cancer diagnosis often inflicts fear, despair, and hopelessness
on patients and loved ones. For lung cancer patients in particular, a population where
palliation rather than cure is often the focus, interventions addressing communication about
various types of suffering are crucial to quality of life (QOL). Our Center has done
extensive research testing CHESS (Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System), a
non-commercial, web-based information and support system. The recent Clinician Integration
Project tested the impact of CHESS versus an Internet only Control group on QOL for
caregivers of advanced stage lung cancer patients. This study yielded an unanticipated
finding that CHESS may have a survival benefit for patients as one year survival was
significantly increased in the CHESS group (50%) compared to Internet (34.2%). As this
project did not focus on patient outcomes, follow-up with a well-formulated study designed
and powered to address specific hypotheses of the nature of this effect is critical. The
proposed study will specifically test QOL and survival effects of CHESS on lung cancer
patients. Using sites in Wisconsin, Connecticut,Houston, and Chicago, we will randomly assign
376 advanced lung cancer patients to two study arms: a patient control group receiving Usual
Care (including access to a computer and Internet) and a group given access to the CHESS
website. Patients may invite a caregiver to participate. Patients will be followed for 18
months or until patient death.

Inclusion Criteria:

- All patients must be diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (Stage IIIA non
surgical, IIIB or IV)

- All patients must be within 12 months of their primary lung cancer diagnosis or
metastatic or recurrence disease.

- All patients must be at least 18 years of age,

- All patients must have an ECOG Performance Status rating of level 0, 1 or 2.

- If patients have brain metastases, they must be stable

- All patients must be under the care of a clinician who has consented to participate in
the study.

- All patients must be able to speak and read English (educational attainment of at
least 6th grade).

- All patients will be invited to have a caregiver also participate in the study,
however this is not required.