Karmanos Cancer Institute Unveils Enhanced Features for Oncology Clinical Trials App

The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute has recently launched an upgraded version of its KCI Clinical Trials App, which is now available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. This new iteration of the app is an important development for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, as it offers improved functionalities to facilitate access to the latest oncology clinical trials. These enhancements aim not only to improve usability and accessibility, but also to align with modern workflows in cancer research and treatment.

Dr. Anthony Shields, the associate center director of Clinical Science at Karmanos, shared insights about the significance of the updated app, stating that it reflects the institution's commitment to leading advances in cancer care. He emphasized that Karmanos offers clinical trials not commonly found in many other hospitals, making it vital for cancer patients to consider exploring second opinions and treatment options—especially those that demonstrate promising outcomes.

The app has been well-received by patients, family members, and referring physicians alike. Currently, it includes over 160 active clinical trial protocols spearheaded by 33 principal investigators across 13 Karmanos locations. This extensive database covers more than 35 different types of cancer, ensuring a wide range of options is available for those diagnosed.

Furthermore, one of the app's standout features is its fast and intelligent trial search capability, which allows users to find trials by various parameters including cancer type, Karmanos trial number, NCT ID, keywords, phase, investigator, treatment site, and more. This filtered searching significantly reduces the chances of running into dead ends while looking for relevant clinical trials.

In addition to the robust search functionality, the app's design has been modernized to enhance the user experience. It boasts a refreshed interface, improved navigation, and seamless access to external resources. Users can even contact Karmanos experts directly through the app for any questions regarding trials.

Moreover, the app integrates enhanced drug information powered by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Drug Dictionary, allowing users to easily access U.S. brand names and additional clinical trial details for more informed decisions.

The app's features also include improved accessibility to detailed trial information such as eligibility criteria, objectives, treatment options, study locations, and investigator credentials. Users can view and copy study site addresses, which can be directly opened in mapping applications for easier navigation.

Another valuable addition is offline functionality, which provides patients with fast, on-device searches even in low or no connectivity environments. This is particularly useful for those who might not have reliable internet access while seeking important information.

Furthermore, both patients and physicians can now request appointments directly from the clinical trial listings, facilitating a smoother referral process. They can also save, share, and collaborate on information regarding trials through text or email, empowering patients to advocate for themselves in their healthcare journeys.

Dr. Shields elaborated that these improvements will arm referring physicians and newly diagnosed patients with the tools they need to discover treatment options that are tailored to their disease more quickly and efficiently. While these trials may also be found on broader platforms such as clinicaltrials.gov, having a specialized tool that focuses solely on the Karmanos Cancer Network allows patients to take charge of their treatment decisions.

The KCI Trials App, first launched in 2013, is free to download and use on both iOS and Android devices. For those who have already downloaded the app, automatic updates were enabled on June 12 to ensure users have access to the latest features. Manual updates can also be undertaken by users who have set their devices accordingly.

This innovative app is powered by the clinical trial study information portal at karmanos.org/opentrials and is designed to facilitate clinical trial workflows across the institute. Karmanos Cancer Institute, which has been recognized by the National Cancer Institute as one of the premier cancer centers in the United States, plays a crucial role in delivering research-driven cancer care and access to cutting-edge clinical trials throughout Michigan and northern Ohio.

For additional information on available clinical trials and to download the KCI Clinical Trials App, visit karmanos.org/clinicaltrials. As part of the McLaren Health Care network, Karmanos remains a leader in transformative cancer care, committed to providing comprehensive treatment solutions to patients in need.