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Research to community
Research to Community highlights how translational research in the fields of medicine and the life and social sciences, homeland security and more impacts our daily lives. For example, learn how Virginia Commonwealth University researchers are taking ideas from the laboratory bench and moving them to a patient’s bedside and then into the community more quickly than before.
The Pink Key study
James Khatcheressian, M.D.
A tiny, portable, electronic device may offer breast cancer survivors a chance to hold their complete medical history in the palm of their hand and get actively involved in their health care and treatment.
James Khatcheressian, M.D., a breast cancer specialist and health services researcher at the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center, recently developed the Pink Key, a jump drive loaded with a patient’s medical information and a host of useful resources, guidelines and content for the patient, treatment team and even outside physicians.
For five years, Khatcheressian has dedicated his research to enhancing the delivery of care for his patients.
“On a national level, cancer survivorship care has been virtually non-existent; only recently has it emerged as an important form of cancer care. Patients are often not involved in shared decision making and there is a significant disconnect between patient needs and provider perceptions,” said Khatcheressian. “The Pink Key may bridge that communication and information gap.”
According to Khatcheressian, who authored the 2006 American Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines for breast cancer follow-up, recurrences can be seen 15 years and beyond after diagnosis. Therefore, the need for long-term, follow-up care for recurrence detection and management of therapy-related side effects — such as hot flashes, bone health issues and chronic pain — is critical.
By 2020, Khatcheressian said that the growth of cancer care needs will outpace the availability of services in the U.S. According to an American Society of Clinical Oncology workforce survey, there will be a 48 percent rise in the need for oncology services due to an aging population, but only about a 14 percent increase in the availability of those services.
That’s where the Pink Key comes in.
Khatcheressian is leading a feasibility study to gather preliminary data from a sample of 20 women with breast cancer using the Pink Key. Through a series of questionnaires given at the beginning and end of a three-month test period, he will assess the level of shared decision making the patients participate in, and their knowledge of symptoms of recurrence, supportive care strategies available and risk reduction strategies, as well as the level of their current symptoms. The exit survey will assess ease of use and provide feedback about likes, dislikes and what could be changed to enhance the system or its components.
Following the preliminary data collection, Khatcheressian has plans to conduct a large, multi-institutional trial for a period of one to two years. Eventually, he hopes to survey providers and assess their feedback on the device as well.
In addition to storing a patient’s medical records, the information on the Pink Key is divided into several sections, including breast cancer survivorship and recurrence symptoms; how to manage common treatment side effects such as joint aches, hot flashes, bone care health and libido; risk-reduction strategies through lifestyle modifications like exercise and diet; research and clinical trials updates; and a list of helpful, reputable Web sites for further information. Additionally, it includes an appointment manager so that patients can get e-mail reminders.
“The key will empower patients to seek better care through knowledge about the supportive care options available to them. It will help oncologists and primary care physicians deliver better care because it provides evidence-based suggestions for common treatment-related complaints such as hot flashes. It also provides information about lifestyle modifications proven to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence,” Khatcheressian said.
The Pink Key is marketed by Richmond-based, Vital Data. Also available is the VitalKey device that holds a patient’s medical record. The Pink Key is specifically designed for breast cancer patients and survivors.