Geoffrey Martin, MD

Detecting the Risk of Toxicity Sooner

Geoffrey V. Martin, MD investigated how to use smartphone connected technology to identify lung cancer patients at risk for moderate to severe side effects from radiation therapy and to help treat them earlier. In a prospective clinical trial, Dr. Martin and his team at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center continuously monitored lung cancer patients receiving radiation therapy using a wristband that collected a variety of biometrics such as heart and respiration rates and a mobile spirometer that measured lung capacity. Both devices transmitted the data to a smartphone that then uploaded it to a secure server.

With the Innovative Projects in Radiation Oncology grant from ROI, Dr. Martin:

• Studied how many patients enrolled in the trial experienced 13 different symptoms including fatigue, pain, nausea, and distress, and how the symptoms interfered with their quality of life.
• Analyzed the information collected to understand the relationship among the symptoms reported by patients, the biometrics collected through the wristband and spirometer and emergency room or hospital admissions.

Dr. Martin hoped to show that this aggressive, multifaceted approach could allow physicians to intervene sooner to treat or event prevent toxicities from radiation therapy resulting in improved care for patients and potentially lowering costs.