RecruitingNot Applicable

An Oncology Nurse AI Agent to Reduce Cancer Distress During Radiotherapy

Hong Kong138 participantsStarted 2026-02-01

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess the effectiveness of the Digi-Coach chatbot for reducing physical and psychological distress in people undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. The main question it aims to answer is: How effective is the Digi-Coach chatbot in reducing physical and psychological distress? Researchers will compare Digi-Coach chatbot to usual nursing care to see if Digi-Coach chatbot is effective for reducing physical and psychological distress in people undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Participants will have access to the Digi-Coach chatbot during radiotherapy in addition to usual care. The research nurse will provide training on how to navigate the chatbot and ask participants to query all their cancer-related concerns in the chatbot.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * aged 18 and above * are able to read and speak Cantonese or Mandarin fluently * have a new, primary diagnosis of head and neck/laryngeal cancer * are waiting to receive a full course of curative-intent, external beam radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy * have a Karnofsky performance score ≥70 * have distress scored 3 or above on the NCCN distress thermometer Exclusion Criteria: * insufficient command of Chinese * have any other factors precluding the ability to give informed consent or comply with the protocol

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer

Timeframe: 1 week, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06636188

SponsorThe University of Hong Kong

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-11

Contact for this trial

Tongyao Wang, PhD

852-39102790 tongyao1@hku.hk

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Head and Neck Cancer trials