Revolutionizing Cancer Care: The Rise of Wearable Devices for Tumor Monitoring

Revolutionizing Patient Monitoring with Wearable Technology

Tumor progression is a critical aspect of cancer care, with regular monitoring required to make informed treatment decisions. With advancements in technology, a new wearable device has emerged that could transform how we approach cancer care. This groundbreaking device can monitor tumor size and relay this information through a user-friendly mobile app, providing real-time data on tumor growth. Not only does this allow patients and healthcare professionals to track changes accurately, but it also enables proactive monitoring and personalized treatment plans.

The Future of Wearable Biosensors

Researchers at The University of Alabama in Huntsville are leading the charge in wearable technology. They have developed a low-cost wearable biosensor that can detect human motions using adhesive materials for power. Lightweight, self-powering, and disposable, this sensor can be placed anywhere on the body. Apart from monitoring tumor size, it can also detect various body motions, including elbow flexion, forearm pronation/supination, knee flexion/extension, and even eye blinking. With a patent filed in November 2023, the researchers are now exploring commercialization opportunities.

Monitoring Digital Biomarkers of Frailty

A study recently evaluated the use of pendant-based wearables in monitoring digital biomarkers of frailty among 27 veteran cancer patients. For 14 days, the participants wore a water-resistant pendant sensor that tracked frailty markers such as cadence, slowness, daily steps, inactivity, postural transitions, weakness, longest walk duration, and energy expenditure. Using regression analysis, a Chemotherapy Resilience Index (CRI) was developed, which effectively distinguished between resilient and non-resilient groups. This study confirms the potential of remote monitoring systems in tracking post-chemotherapy functional capacity changes and aiding early non-resilience detection.

AI Health Tech: The Future of Internal Body Monitoring

AI health tech is paving the way for the development of wearable devices that can monitor tumor size and provide an internal view of the body. These devices, which include full body AI scans and new types of MRIs, can make quicker diagnoses of life-threatening conditions such as cancer, aneurysms, and liver disease. The Together app, developed by Dr. Renee Dua, uses AI to collect health data and provide certain heart health readings, including blood pressure, through a long selfie and vocal tracking. This innovative app is currently under review by the FDA for clearance for health metrics detection.

Transforming Cancer Care

These advancements in wearable technology and AI hold the potential to revolutionize cancer care. By providing real-time data on tumor growth and other health metrics, these devices empower patients and healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about treatment plans. Furthermore, the user-friendly nature of these devices, integrated with mobile apps, makes health monitoring more accessible and less invasive. As this technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more personalized, proactive, and effective cancer care.