A new study suggests that the Apple Watch could be a useful tool in monitoring the efficacy of some types of cancer treatment.
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In a case report published in the journal Nature, a group of medical researchers outlined their findings when examining the treatment of a 56-year-old undergoing cancer treatment. More specifically, the study detailed the effectiveness of selpercatinib, a type of oral treatment for some cancers.
The study found that the patient responded well to the selpercatinib treatment. However, interestingly, the researchers note that the patient’s Apple Watch Series 3 was able to suggest early efficacy before conventional methods. Those conventional methods include tumor markers or CT scans to confirm anti-tumor activity.
The patient originally purchased the Apple Watch measure physical activity levels and heart rate. However, the team found that they were able to monitor digital biomarkers that suggested that the patient responded well to treatment.
So well, in fact, that the Apple Watch was able to pick up on the therapeutic activity “within days,” the team notes. They added that “that smartwatch-derived information can be a valuable contribution to established clinical staging parameters—especially in terms of tracking the early onset of therapy response.”
“Nevertheless, this case report highlights the potential benefit of integrating wearable technology and digital solutions into our cancer care algorithms,” the team wrote.
Past cases of wearables helping cancer patients
This is not the first time that wearables have proven to be useful in cancer treatment. Back in 2022, a study published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology indicated that wearables could help patients undergo treatment more easily and reduce their toxicity levels.
In 2022, Researchers at the National Cancer Institute also singled out the Apple Watch as a potential tool for assessing symptoms in cancer patients. Another study currently in progress is working on creating digital biomarkers using ResearhKit to remotely monitor cancer symptoms.
All of this is to say that the Apple Watch continues to be a powerful tool for overall health and well-being. Although certainly not a replacement for medical treatment, the Apple Watch could be incredibly useful when used in conjunction with traditional therapies.
