18 Participants NeededMy employer runs this trial

Smartwatch Technology for Hot Flashes in Prostate Cancer

(BioWEAR Trial)

AD
EL
Overseen ByEmily Leytham
Age: 18+
Sex: Male
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of Virginia
Must be taking: Androgen deprivation
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if prostate cancer patients experiencing hot flashes from hormone therapy can effectively use a smartwatch to log these episodes (VMS logging). Participants will wear the smartwatch for four weeks, recording hot flashes at the push of a button and completing daily surveys about their experiences. The trial seeks men actively undergoing hormone treatment for prostate cancer who have daily hot flashes and own a smartphone with Bluetooth 5 capability. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that may enhance symptom tracking for future patients.

What prior data suggests that this smartwatch device is safe for tracking health data in prostate cancer patients?

Research has shown that using smartwatch technology to track hot flashes is generally safe for patients. Studies have found that similar devices, such as wrist-worn gadgets, are well-tolerated by people with prostate cancer. These devices help manage hot flashes without causing significant side effects. While the smartwatch in this study is used for tracking, not cooling, using wearables in this way has proven practical and safe. Participants in previous studies did not report major negative effects, suggesting that using a smartwatch to track symptoms is a safe option.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using smartwatch technology to manage hot flashes in prostate cancer patients because it offers a novel, non-invasive way to monitor symptoms in real time. Unlike traditional treatments that often rely on medications, this approach utilizes a smartwatch to log vasomotor symptoms (VMS) with a simple button press. This method not only allows for immediate data collection but also provides a more personalized understanding of each patient's experience, which could lead to more tailored and effective interventions in the future.

What evidence suggests that this smartwatch technology is effective for tracking hot flashes in prostate cancer patients?

This trial will evaluate the use of a smartwatch for VMS logging in managing hot flashes in prostate cancer patients. Participants will wear a smartwatch and log VMS events by pressing a designated button. Studies have shown that wearable technology, such as wrist-worn devices, can help manage hot flashes. Specifically, 69% of participants in one study found the device helpful in reducing symptoms. Another study demonstrated a noticeable decrease in the severity of hot flashes, suggesting that wearable technology may provide relief for patients experiencing hot flashes due to cancer treatments.13467

Who Is on the Research Team?

MD

Michael Devitt, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Virginia

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
I am willing and able to follow all study procedures and be available for the study duration.
I am a male and I am 18 years old or older.
See 8 more

Exclusion Criteria

Wrist circumference less than 95 mm or greater than 222 mm
I cannot press the button on a smart watch.
Known allergic reactions to components of the EmbracePlus smart watch, specifically any skin allergy to silicone
See 4 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks
1 visit (in-person)

Orientation and Device Setup

Participants receive and set up the EmbracePlus smartwatch and are instructed on its use

1 day
1 visit (in-person)

Monitoring

Participants wear the smartwatch and log vasomotor symptoms for data collection

4 weeks
Continuous monitoring with daily electronic surveys

Follow-up

Participants complete a post-intervention survey and return the smartwatch

1 week
1 visit (in-person or virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • VMS logging

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Smartwatch for VMS LoggingExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Virginia

Lead Sponsor

Trials
802
Recruited
1,342,000+

Citations

Efficacy of Novel Wrist Cooling Device in Cancer Treatment ...

Univariate analysis confirmed significant reduction in hot flash severity (P < 0.01) after adjusting for age and underlying condition. No ...

Feasibility of a novel wrist-worn thermal device for ...

Feasibility of a novel wrist-worn thermal device for management of vasomotor symptoms in patients with prostate cancer. ; HFRDIS, mean [95% CI], 4.3 [3.7, 4.9]

ASCO 2022: Feasibility of a Novel Wrist-Worn Thermal ...

The majority (69%) of participants reported that the device was effective at helping them manage hot flashes. No adverse events were reported.

Feasibility of a novel wearable thermal device for ... - PMC - NIH

Results support the feasibility of using the thermal device for management of bothersome hot flashes in prostate cancer survivors. Future ...

Thermal device shows feasibility in managing prostate ...

Regarding patient reported outcome measures, most participants (69%) indicated that the device was effective in helping them manage their hot ...

Wearable Devices Help Monitor Patient Health After Cancer ...

Researchers evaluate whether devices that track health metrics like daily steps and heart rate can help predict clinical outcomes.

Management of vasomotor symptoms in cancer patients

Many cancer treatments can lead to reduced levels of sex hormones, which in turn may cause vasomotor symptoms (VMS) such as hot flashes.