As the complexity of cancer treatments has increased, so has the difficulty of navigating cancer care. Indiana University School of Medicine professor Larry Cripe is building on his 30 years of experience as an oncologist to design a new tool that can give clinicians and patients a clearer path to the best treatment.
Larry Cripe is a professor of medicine in the division of hematology and oncology at the IU School of Medicine and an affiliate member of the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. Photo courtesy of Larry Cripe
In 2024, over 2 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the United States alone, and diagnoses are expected to rise. The number, complexity and duration of cancer treatments has also increased, which can make treatment decisions more difficult.
"Despite an explosion of new technologies and drugs for cancer treatment, the way in which decisions are made with patients hasn't changed and is often unsatisfactory," said Cripe, a professor of medicine in the division of hematology and oncology and an affiliate member of the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. "The challenges of living with cancer are multiplied by the amount of information to keep track of to use in making decisions and the lack of resources for patients to engage productively with their cancer care teams.
"Patients often don't know what they need to know, but there are real limits to what patients and oncologists can accomplish during clinic visits."
The lack of adequate time can be exacerbated by missing patient information and difficulties in explaining complex information and speaking realistically about what treatment can offer. Additional challenges include identifying patients' values and goals, and creating an accessible care plan for patients, their families and other health care providers. Consequently, patients may not engage consistently in treatment decisions, which can affect their quality of care.
The map visually helps patients, their families and caregivers plan their cancer care. Photo courtesy of Larry Cripe.
"Using the fully developed Cancer Care Road Map enables patients and oncologists to go through their health data and medical history to help make the best treatment decision for the patient," Cripe said.
With an increased understanding of their medical decisions, patients will be able to identify personal goals and preferences with their care. The roadmap's interactive digital interface includes a mind map; this visual tool provides a map of disease-specific decision trees to inform the patient of what to expect and when. It also includes additional resources to help patients navigate their treatment journey.
"While the future isn't knowable, it is mappable," Cripe said. "At key decision points, we can ensure that patients have information they can understand and use, and the time to prepare to engage with the oncology care team."
