Leveraging biometric data for meaningful outcome assessments in the care of patients with brain tumors: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Wearable technologies are increasingly utilized in oncology to provide continuous, noninvasive monitoring of physiological and functional metrics. While feasibility has been demonstrated in several cancer populations, their role in neuro-oncology, particularly among brain tumor patients, remains underexplored.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and IEEE Xplore from 2009 to 2024. Extracted data included device characteristics, feasibility and adherence, physiologic monitoring, functional status, treatment monitoring, quality of life, and palliative care applications.

RESULTS

Initial search yielded 1,312 articles, out of which 28 studies were included. Wearable devices demonstrated high feasibility for tracking physical activity and sleep across breast, lung, gastrointestinal and head and neck cancers, with adherence ranging from 31% to over 90%. Actigraphy-derived sleep and circadian metrics were correlated with chemotherapy toxicity, fatigue and risk of hospitalization. Objective activity measures often revealed discordance with clinician-rated performance scores. Biometric tracking was also found to be feasible in assessing toxicity of chemotherapy and for measuring impact of educational programs focused on increasing physical activity in cancer patients. In brain tumor care, where neurologic function, cognition and fatigue are critical yet variably assessed, wearable technologies may provide early warning signs of decline or complications such as steroid effects or seizure onset.

CONCLUSION

Wearable technologies offer a scalable, patient-centered means to enhance monitoring in oncology. Despite these advances, few studies address neuro-oncology specifically. The current evidence highlights potential applications for brain tumor patients.