The University of Manchester have launched a trial to test wearable technology including smart rings and watches on patients who have received cancer treatment.
EMBRaCE, which stands for Enhanced Monitoring for Better Recovery and Cancer Experience, could allow doctors to easily assess the progress of their patients and detect vital signs if successful at trial stage
The trial is in collaboration with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and The University of Manchester.
Initially, the trial will involve blood, lung, and colorectal cancer patients across Greater Manchester with the hope to expand to other types of cancer after its preliminary stages.
Dr Anthony Wilson, Consultant in Anaesthesia and Critical Care at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI), part of MFT and the clinical lead for the project, said: "Cancer places a huge burden on the lives of people everywhere. This study uses cutting-edge technology that can monitor people during their treatment, with devices that they can wear all the time.
“We hope that it will provide new insights into how people cope with cancer treatment and what we can do to improve their recovery.”
There are currently three different technologies that will be tested during the trial including: a smart ring, a hybrid smart watch and a chest monitor.
Each of the technologies will be able to measure and monitor a collection of vital signs such as ECG, heart rate, body temperature, sleep activity and physical activity levels.
Dr Michael Merchant, Senior Lecturer in Proton Therapy Physics, at The University of Manchester, said: “This trial will assess if the latest wearable technology has a role in cancer care.
“It will help us to identify ways that clinical staff can individualise treatment before, during, and after therapy.
“We will find out if 24/7 data from these wearable sensors can be used to support patient recovery and provide accurate measurement outside clinic.
“It could even support the development of new cancer treatments by developing a digital platform for clinical trials in cancer involving wearable devices or fitness trackers.”
