Wearable tech trial for cancer patients in Manchester

A new trial has opened in Greater Manchester which is to test cutting-edge wearable technologies involving patients who have received cancer treatment.

Called, EMBRaCE, (Enhanced Monitoring for Better Recovery and Cancer Experience), the trial is a collaboration between Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and The University of Manchester. The trial has initially opened for blood cancer, lung, and colorectal cancer patients and will run across Greater Manchester.

The commercially-available health sensors and devices produce a digital fingerprint of vital signs that could allow doctors to assess the progress of their patients.

The technologies under investigation include: a smart ring, worn on any finger made by the company Oura; the Withings ScanWatch, a hybrid smartwatch; and the Isansys system, which is worn on the chest. The technologies can assess a range of vital signs, including electrocardiogram (ECG), heart rate, temperature, physical activity levels and sleep.

Anthony Wilson, 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.”