Wearable technology and machine learning for early detection and risk assessment of unacceptable toxicities in paediatric oncology.

Treatment for childhood cancers has improved significantly over the past few decades, leading to higher survival rates and enhanced quality of life for many young patients. However, these life-saving treatments often come with a host of long-term health issues that can persist well into adulthood. One particularly concerning side effect for children who have undergone cancer treatment is the increased susceptibility to infections. Infections can range from mild to severe, with the most critical outcome being septic shock-a life-threatening condition that can lead to organ failure and other severe complications.

Recent research has revealed that changes in vital signs can be detected up to 72 hours before the onset of a fever, which is often one of the first signs of an infection. This window of opportunity presents an exciting potential for clinicians to implement early detection strategies for infections, thereby improving patient outcomes. The development of wearable technology offers a promising avenue for this early detection. Devices like the Apple Watch have become increasingly sophisticated, equipped with various health-related applications that allow users to monitor their own health metrics in real time.

Not only do these devices empower individuals to take charge of their health, but they also create a unique opportunity for researchers. By collecting data from a large population of users, researchers can access a rich dataset that can be analysed to develop machine learning models. Machine learning is a type of artificial intelligence that enables computers to learn from data and improve their predictive capabilities over time. This technology can be particularly beneficial in the medical field, where patterns in health data can be leveraged to make more accurate predictions regarding patient conditions.

Our goal is to explore whether we can gather comprehensive health information using an Apple Watch to predict infections in children undergoing cancer treatment, potentially before they even develop a fever. By utilizing this wearable technology, we hope to enhance the ability of healthcare providers to monitor vital signs and detect anomalies early, paving the way for timely interventions that could prevent serious complications. Ultimately, this innovative approach could significantly improve the standard of care for young cancer patients, allowing them to lead healthier lives free from the burdens of infection-related complications.