Exploring the Role of Wearable Activity Monitors in Cancer Monitoring

Introduction to Wearable Activity Monitors

Wearable activity monitors offer an engaging and convenient method for tracking daily exercise. Researchers are now examining their potential in monitoring cancer progression among patients.

The Need for Continuous Monitoring in Cancer Care

Cancer patients require regular assessments to evaluate the development of their condition. Such monitoring allows healthcare providers to adjust treatments accordingly. If cancer worsens, patients may need increased chemotherapy doses, while improvement may lead to reduced dosages to mitigate harmful side effects.

Challenges in Current Cancer Progression Assessments

Accurate monitoring of cancer progression presents significant challenges. Many assessments rely on self-reported surveys, which can be influenced by patient memory and personal experiences. These surveys only capture a snapshot of the patient’s condition at a specific time, failing to provide a holistic view of cancer development outside clinical settings.

The Need for Reliable Monitoring Methods

To enhance the quality of care for cancer patients, there is a growing need for consistent, unbiased, and unobtrusive monitoring methods. Recent advancements in technology have led to the development of wearable activity monitors, often designed as smartwatches, capable of tracking various physical activities such as walking and stair climbing. Additionally, these devices can measure body exertion metrics, including heart rate, calories burned, and sleep duration.

Research Study on Wearable Activity Monitors

A recent study published in Nature Digital Medicine examined the feasibility of using wearable activity monitors to track cancer patients’ progression. The study involved 37 patients, primarily diagnosed with stage-four gastrointestinal cancer. Participants were provided with a Fitbit Charge HR to monitor their physical activity over a six-month period. Standard cancer progression surveys were conducted before and after the study for comparative analysis.

Key Findings from the Study

The research revealed a significant correlation between average daily step counts and cancer progression survey results. Patients with lower daily step counts were more likely to report worse outcomes, indicating advanced cancer progression. Specifically, for every additional 1,000 steps taken per day, patients experienced a 0.21 times lower likelihood of hospitalization, a 0.34 times lower likelihood of life-threatening events requiring medical intervention, and were twice as likely to survive.

Impact of Fatigue and Depression on Physical Activity

Cancer-related fatigue is a prevalent side effect of treatment. The study found that patient fatigue correlated with lower step counts, shorter walking distances, and fewer stairs climbed. Furthermore, depression was associated with a reduced number of stairs climbed.

Conclusion and Future Directions

The investigation into wearable activity monitors as a tool for monitoring cancer progression has shown promising results. Although researchers are not yet ready to replace traditional cancer progression surveys with these monitors, they remain optimistic that advancements in technology will enhance patient-physician communication and overall healthcare quality.

Author Information

Written by Aaron Kwong, MSc.

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Reference

Gresham, G. et al. Wearable activity monitors to assess performance status and predict clinical outcomes in advanced cancer patients. npj Digit. Med. 1, 27 (2018).