#USA #Boston #Cancer Immunotherapy #Digital Medicine Society #DATAcc

DATAcc by DiMe Unveils New Resources for Digital Health in Cancer Treatment

On February 13, 2025, the Digital Health Measurement Collaborative Community (DATAcc) of the Digital Medicine Society (DiMe) revealed progressive resources aimed at empowering developers and researchers in crafting digital health technologies (DHTs) dedicated to predicting and managing Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), a serious side effect associated with cancer immunotherapies. In recent decades, immunotherapies have rapidly emerged as promising treatments for hematological cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, offering renewed hope for patients who previously faced limited options.

However, these therapies are not without risks. CRS can manifest as flu-like symptoms, which, if not properly managed, may escalate into life-threatening complications. The danger posed by CRS often necessitates that immunotherapies be administered in hospital settings or that patients make frequent visits to clinical facilities, resulting in increased costs for clinical trials and challenges for patients in underserved or rural locations. This dependency exacerbates the burden on healthcare systems which are already stretched thin.

Despite the growing need for effective management of CRS, the absence of standardized reporting and comprehensive, high-frequency collection of clinical measures related to this syndrome has hindered the development of robust CRS de-risking solutions. DATAcc’s newly launched resources aim to overcome these barriers and pave the way for creating innovative CRS de-risking products that not only enhance care delivery but also minimize hospital dependency, consequently allowing for broader access to immunotherapies for all patients.

Samantha McClenahan from DiMe explained the initiative's significance, emphasizing, "Immunotherapies are lifesaving, but dangerous side effects like CRS create barriers for too many. The resources launched today will support developers in building the products needed for de-risking CRS outside clinical settings." She added, "Leveraging DHTs can help reduce the risk of CRS and get these therapies to patients in need. We're excited to launch resources that will fast-track the development of these new digital products."

Cindy Varga from Atrium Health echoed the sentiment: "Immunotherapies are a critical, innovative intervention in the fight against cancer. However, many patients encounter challenges due to the necessity of monitoring for dangerous side effects. Using CRS de-risking tools during treatment allows for the quicker detection of CRS symptoms and earlier interventions that can prevent serious complications. By expanding the availability of these tools, oncologists and researchers can more effectively detect and manage CRS, enabling patients to spend less time in inpatient settings. This ultimately alleviates the strain on healthcare systems, patients, and caregivers."

DATAcc has positioned itself as a leader in promoting the use of digital clinical measures, collaborating with stakeholders across the industry. The introduction of these resources complements existing offerings related to physical activity, Alzheimer's disease, nocturnal scratch, and sleep studies. As we strive to tackle some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities within the digital medicine ecosystem, DATAcc's resources promise to create significant advancements in how healthcare providers approach the management of side effects linked to cancer treatments.

To discover more about changing the digital health landscape as a partner of DiMe or DATAcc, visit their website.

About the Digital Medicine Society (DiMe)

DiMe is a global non-profit organization that serves as the professional home for all stakeholders within the digital medicine community. In collaboration, members tackle the toughest challenges in digital medicine, develop resources that uphold clinical quality, and deliver practical solutions via open-source channels and educational initiatives.

About DATAcc by DiMe

The Digital Health Measurement Collaborative Community (DATAcc) works in harmony with the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health to advance the utilization of digital health measures in research, ultimately aiming to improve the lives of those affected by health conditions.

For media inquiries, please contact Carla English at [email protected]