Team Interview: Remote Patient Monitoring Among Cancer Patients

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) has the potential to improve cancer care through earlier detection of complications, but real-world use remains limited.

A PROPEL study team examined national patterns of RPM use among commercially insured adults with cancer. We asked Joseph H. Joo, MD, MS, the leader author, to explain the team’s findings.

Why is this research noteworthy? 

This research is noteworthy because it highlights how a promising digital health tool remains underused in oncology. While RPM may enable earlier detection of complications and improve outcomes, its adoption in real-world cancer care appears limited and concentrated among certain patient groups.

What are the top takeaways from the research?

* We demonstrate that RPM use was limited, with only 236 patients utilizing RPM among more than 6.4 million commercially insured patients with cancer. 

* We show that RPM use was concentrated among older and more clinically complex patients, with 50% aged 55–64 and nearly 45% having high comorbidity burden. 

* We identify that RPM use varied across cancer types, with 45.7% of utilization among less common cancers rather than the most prevalent cancer types. 

* We highlight that utilization was limited, with patients using RPM for an average of 2.6 months, suggesting early and intermittent adoption. 

Does this build on previous research findings? 

Yes – Previous work has examined digital health adoption and access to care. This study builds on that foundation by providing early national evidence on how RPM is being used in oncology populations.

Are there any distinctive tools, technology, training, grants, development initiatives or state or federal funding such as NIH that deserve mentioning? 

This study leveraged national commercial claims data from the Merative MarketScan database to evaluate real-world RPM use among patients with cancer.

How does this research advance the field? 

Altogether, data shows that RPM use in oncology remains nascent. The findings highlight important gaps in adoption and identify opportunities to better integrate digital health tools into cancer care.

How does it tie into/advance toward clinical solutions for patients? 

By identifying which patients are currently receiving RPM—and where gaps exist—this research can help guide more targeted implementation strategies, potentially improving early detection of complications and overall cancer care delivery.

Article Link: https://cancer.jmir.org/2026/1/e84788