Greater Manchester Wearable Technology Trial

A new trial on cutting-edge wearable technologies for cancer patients is underway in Greater Manchester.

02:28 26 January 2022

Greater Manchester is currently trialling cutting-edge wearable technologies in patients who have received cancer treatment. It involves the use of devices designed to produce a digital fingerprint of vital signs that could allow doctors to assess the progress of their patients. It is currently being offered to blood, lung, and colorectal cancer patients. 

 

The trial called EMBRaCE (Enhanced Monitoring for Better Recovery and Cancer Experience) was launched in collaboration between The University of Manchester, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. 

 

Dr Anthony Wilson, Consultant in Anaesthesia and Critical Care at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) and the 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.”

 

Dr Michael Merchant, Senior Lecturer in Proton Therapy Physics, at The University of Manchester, said: “This trial will assess if the latest wearable technology has a role in cancer care.

 

“It will help us to identify ways that clinical staff can individualise treatment before, during, and after therapy.

 

“We will find out if 24/7 data from these wearable sensors can be used to support patient recovery and provide accurate measurement outside clinic.