Using Apple Watch and AI to protect children undergoing cancer treatment from infections
· News-MedicalA new trial will test whether a tool that harnesses Apple Watch health data and artificial intelligence can help protect children undergoing cancer treatment from infections.
MCRI Professor Rachel Conyers said the app may help detect infections earlier and allow clinicians to intervene sooner.
The WEARABLES study is recruiting 150 patients, aged 5-18 years, who are receiving chemotherapy at The Royal Children's Hospital.
Professor Conyers' research team has also previously studied the feasibility of using the Apple Watch ECG app to monitor children's hearts during cancer therapy to better understand and prevent heart damage.
Treatments for childhood cancers have improved remarkably, with the five-year survival rate now exceeding 80 per cent in developed countries. But these treatments are not without side effects.
Oliver, 6, who has rare, aggressive blood cancer, is taking part in the trial.
A few days after Christmas last year the family decided to make a quick stop at their local urgent care clinic while on the way to the beach.
A recent rash on Oliver's chest had been troubling his parents, Jacqui and Terry, who wanted to get it checked out as a precaution.
"It had been a warm few days, so we thought it was just sunburn, given it wasn't itchy or bothering him," Jacqui said. "Another warm day was forecast so we wanted the kids to enjoy the beach and burn off some energy after a hectic Christmas period."
The diagnosis came as a huge shock. The rash was a sign of phenotype acute leukaemia.
Oliver started chemotherapy immediately, with the family relocating to Melbourne for the duration of his treatment.
Jacqui said Oliver was keen to help other children receiving cancer treatment.
"The chemotherapy has been intense, making Oliver nauseous and losing his appetite," she said. "But taking part in this trial has been incredibly reassuring, proactively monitoring him for serious side effects and possible infections.
"One thing that really worried me at first was that something would be missed, however this watch just keeps everyone on the front-foot. Oliver is beaming about wearing the watch too and has already mastered all its whiz-bang features."
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