Apple Watch and AI Trial Aims to Protect Children Undergoing Cancer Treatment from Infections
Apple Watch and AI Trial Aims to Protect Children Undergoing Cancer Treatment from Infections
A groundbreaking new study is exploring how the Apple Watch and artificial intelligence could help protect children receiving cancer treatment from dangerous infections.
The trial, led by Murdoch Children's Research Institute, will examine whether health data collected from the smartwatch can detect early warning signs of infection in young cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Through a specially designed research app, participants will securely share data from the Apple Watch, including heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen levels, and physical activity over a four-week monitoring period.
According to MCRI Professor Rachel Conyers, the technology could allow doctors to identify infections earlier and provide faster treatment.
Children undergoing chemotherapy often have weakened immune systems, making infections one of the most serious complications during treatment. Researchers hope that combining wearable technology with AI can create an early-warning system that reduces hospital stays, improves recovery, and eases stress for families.
The WEARABLES study is currently recruiting 150 patients aged 5 to 18 who are receiving chemotherapy at The Royal Children's Hospital.
Professor Conyers’ team has previously researched the use of the Apple Watch ECG app to monitor heart health in children receiving cancer therapy, aiming to better understand and prevent treatment-related heart damage.
One participant in the trial is six-year-old Oliver, who was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive blood cancer after doctors discovered an unusual rash shortly after Christmas last year. Following emergency blood tests and an urgent transfer to Melbourne by air ambulance, Oliver immediately began chemotherapy treatment.
His mother, Jacqui, said the trial has given their family reassurance during a difficult time.
She explained that chemotherapy has caused severe nausea and loss of appetite for Oliver, but the smartwatch monitoring helps clinicians stay alert for potential infections and side effects. Oliver has also embraced wearing the watch and enjoys exploring its features.
Researchers believe the study could open new possibilities for using wearable devices and AI in pediatric healthcare, particularly in helping vulnerable patients receive faster and more personalized medical care.
