Evidence-based. Oncologist-approved.
We are the only direct-to-patient cancer app that integrates with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) Clinical Guidelines, the authority on cancer care. This means that when patients share their medical histories and records with us securely, we’re able to provide personalized treatment options based on NCCN Guidelines®. We can then provide patients with information not only about approved treatment options, but also about clinical trials relevant to the stage of a particular patient’s disease, and also based upon their location and access to care. We also help patients determine their potential need to receive genetic testing to better understand what treatment options are available to them. We facilitate access–and aim to help improve patient outcomes by informing the patient and augmenting and supporting the patient/provider relationship. Broadly, the healthcare system has evolved where most healthcare companies are solving a doctor, payer, or other stakeholder problem instead of a patient problem. This results in misaligned incentives where ultimately very few things are done specifically for the patient. Outcomes4Me will overcome that misalignment by building a company that is primarily focused on the patient as the consumer. We are 100%-led by our core value of being “patients first,” and will walk away from business deals if the direct value to patients is not there.
Even though it is cited as the best option for patients with cancer, less than 5% of adult oncology patients participate in a clinical trial. This is often because they aren’t aware of a relevant trial. The majority of cancer patients aren’t treated at a national cancer center and most providers don’t have the time to stay abreast of the care options that could affect their patients’ health outcomes. Similarly, many cancer patients don’t pursue genetic testing because they’re not aware that their genetic makeup could influence their care. When a patient is diagnosed with cancer, the burden is on them to be their own advocate. They start their journey with a Google search to understand their condition and what treatments are available to them. This can be both confusing and mis-leading. Consumers have a lot of power when it comes to many issues of consumer choice, but not in healthcare. While the patient is the consumer, they have no power. Providers are making the decisions, and insurance companies are paying the bills--so they're in control. At Outcomes4Me, we want to shift that equation and meet people where they are not only in their clinical diagnosis, but where they are physically and emotionally. If someone has cancer, it becomes a continuous part of their life. But, currently, the healthcare system is set up so that they can only interact with it episodically, not continuously. We’re changing that dynamic and putting patients first.
We conducted a pilot study with Mass General to determine the feasibility of introducing the Outcomes4Me app within the standard of care experience of breast cancer patients. The results suggest that this type of intervention can help patients better track their symptoms and make them aware of clinical trials, potentially facilitating the management of side effects. Additionally, the survey found that 97 percent of the study cohort reported that they “somewhat” or “strongly” understood their cancer diagnosis. Yet, 24 percent of patients answered “I don’t know” or “I’m not sure” to fundamental questions about their disease characteristics including hormone receptor (HR) status, and/or HER2 status–speaking to the need of our product. Between 6/1/20 and 12/31/20, 107 patients enrolled. Eligible patients had any subtype of stage 1-4 breast cancer and were on any type of chemo-, hormonal-, targeted-, or radiation-therapy for breast cancer during the study period. We also did a study about genomic profiling with Foundation Medicine. We found that only 28 percent of the respondents who were eligible for genomic profiling actually got it and of those who didn’t get genomic profiling the majority of them expressed interest and would bring it up with their doctor. These results demonstrate the discrepancy between patientsʼ willingness to get genomic testing and their access and awareness. Apps like Outcomes4Me may be able to help raise awareness and ultimately improve outcomes. The cohort size was 203 patients with either Stage III or Stage IV breast cancer, living in the United States.
