Table 2

Set of predefined rules to trigger an alert

Symptom	Rules for alert
PRO-CTCAE symptoms
Decreased appetite	1. If the symptom reaches grade 3 a. The symptom has not reached a grade 3 in the last 2 weeks (<15 days) b. If the symptom stays a stable grade 3 for 4 consecutive weeks, the fourth week will provide the next alert 2. If the symptom worsens by ≥2 grades a. in 2 weeks b. if the checklist has not been filled in for 4 consecutive weeks
Cough
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Constipation
Nausea
Diarrhoea
Sad or unhappy feelings
General pain
Other symptoms
Fever	3. If ‘yes’ is scored (independent of earlier reports about fever)
Haemoptysis	4. If ‘a little’ or ‘a lot’ is scored (independent of earlier reports about haemoptysis)
Weight	5. Loss of weight ≥3 kg in 1 or 2 weeks a. If the questionnaire was not filled-in for 4 consecutive weeks a loss of weight of ≥3 kg since the last measurement will also summon an alert b. Patient has scored ‘I did not weight myself’ is seen as rule 5a

PRO-CTCAE, Patient-Reported Outcome version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events.