A NEW app could help catch blood cancer early, saving thousands of lives, experts have said.
Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that occurs in the bone marrow.
GettyExperts have said the new app could help save the lives of thousands of patients[/caption]
It affects over 24,000 people in the UK each year and can be difficult to detect as the symptoms often mimic those of ageing, such as back pain and fatigue.
Around 5,800 people are diagnosed with the condition each year, with eight dying from the illness each day.
More than 500,000 people in the UK are currently living with MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance), a benign condition that doesn’t cause any symptoms but needs to be monitored through regular testing and hospital appointments.
While most people with MGUS will notice no effect on their general health, a small number will go on to develop myeloma.
Data from Myeloma UK states that half of patients face a wait of over five months to get a correct diagnosis, but a new app could help speed up the process.
The AscelusTMin app will be used to monitor MGUS and conditions like smouldering myeloma.
Experts predict it could save the NHS up to £16million.
The new project will cost £2.2million and will see 4,560 patients at four hospitals in London and Sheffield switch to remote consultations and send updates to their existing healthcare team via a ‘symptom checker’.
This data will then be looked at alongside their blood tests.
Then any relevant advice, such as test results, medication and appointment information will be sent directly to a patient’s smartphone through the app.
The app will be trialled for three years with scientists having scheduled quarterly updates of its progress.
Myeloma UK Health Services Research Manager, Dr Sandra Quinn, said: “We’re delighted to be a part of this truly unique project.
The red flag myeloma symptoms you need to know
Experts at Myeloma UK said there are some signs you must look out for.
Persistent or unexplained pain for more than 4–6 weeks, particularly in the back or ribs
Spontaneous fractures, including osteoporotic vertebral fractures
Hypercalcaemia (high calcium levels in the blood)
Reduction in kidney function
Recurrent or persistent infections
Unexplained anaemia
Nosebleeds or unexplained bleeding
Unexplained breathlessness
Feeling generally unwell – fatigue, weight loss, suspicion of underlying cancer
Unexplained peripheral neuropathy, that is damage to the nerves that make up the peripheral nervous system. In myeloma the nerves that are most commonly affected are those of the hands and feet
“It is fantastic to see the inclusion of charities like ours in this space as this is key to ensuring patients inform the progress of this work.
“It takes us even closer to our goals of diagnosing myeloma earlier, influencing positive changes in care and transforming the patient experience.
“Projects like this one could transform the way we treat the patients of the future.”
Myeloma is incurable but in most cases it is treatable.
Treatment is aimed at controlling the illness and helping the patient with their overall quality of life.
The app, developed by Itecho Health, will offer vulnerable patients a faster, safer and more convenient way to manage their condition.
And the experta say it will also help relieve pressure on the NHS.
Dr Quinn added: “Covid-19 has shifted our focus from one where patients are seen face-to-face in a clinical setting to remote consultations.
“Whilst this has happened in response to a global pandemic, there is limited evidence to show whether remote monitoring is better for patient outcomes compared to face-to-face appointments.
“This app provides a unique opportunity to develop that evidence alongside patients.”
Funding for the app was granted as part of a joint venture with the National Institute of Health Research, blood cancer charities Myeloma UK, Leukaemia Care, CLL Support and the Sickle Cell Disease Society and a range of other research partners.