Journal Article

Feasibility of a mobile application-based geriatric assessment and communication support intervention for older adults with cancer: protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial (MAPLE2 pilot)

Uchitomi, Yosuke, Fujimori, Maiko, Akechi, Tatsuo, Tsubata, Yukari, Matsuoka, Ayumu, Konishi, Yukiko, Takashima, Atsuo, Nagashima, Fumio, Mori, Keita, Majima, Yoshiyuki, Okusaka, Takuji, Boku, Narikazu

2026

Overview

IntroductionOlder adults with cancer have ageing-related vulnerabilities that influence their treatment tolerance and decision-making. In our previous randomised controlled trial (MAPLE), integrating geriatric assessment (GA) with communication support using a question prompt list (QPL), delivered by trained intervention providers, facilitated patient–oncologist communication, increased implementation of GA-guided management (GAM) and improved patient outcomes. However, its widespread adoption has been limited by the need for trained personnel and dedicated time. To enhance scalability and sustainability, we developed a mobile application-based intervention to deliver GAM and communication support. This MAPLE2 study aims to evaluate the feasibility of the intervention using this mobile application-based GA and QPL among older adults with cancer.Methods and analysisThis multicentre, open-label, pilot randomised controlled trial will be conducted at two academic hospitals in Japan. Patients aged≥70 years with solid cancer or lymphoma initiating or changing systemic therapy will undergo baseline GA. Patients with any GA impairment will be randomised to receive either (1) a mobile application-based intervention providing feedback of GA summary with tailored GAM recommendations and QPL or (2) usual care. The primary endpoint is the proportion of participants who complete all of the following interventions using the mobile application: (1) self-administered GA, (2) receipt of the tailored GAM recommendations and QPL and (3) confirmation that their oncologists review the tailored GAM recommendations and QPL at subsequent visits. Forty participants are planned to be enrolled.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of the National Cancer Center, Japan (approval number: 2025-089). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Results will be presented at academic conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial statusRecruitment has been initiated from 8 September 2025 and is planned to be completed by 31 August 2026, with a follow-up period by 31 August 2027.Trial registration numberUMIN000058887

• Publisher: British Medical Journal Publishing Group,BMJ Publishing Group LTD,BMJ Publishing Group
• Subject: Activities of daily living / Aged / Aged, 80 and over / Aging / Cancer therapies / Caregivers / Clinical trials / Cognition & reasoning / Cognitive ability / Communication / Comorbidity / Decision Making / Delirium / Digital Technology / Feasibility / Feasibility Studies / Female / Geriatric Assessment - methods / Geriatric medicine / Geriatrics / Hospitals / Humans / Japan / Male / Mobile Applications / Mobile communications networks / Multicenter Studies as Topic / Neoplasms - therapy / Nurses / Nursing care / Nutrition / Older people / Oncology / Patient-Centered Care / Patients / Pharmacists / Pilot Projects / Polypharmacy / Questionnaires / Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Social support / Transportation services