AI model using daily step counts predicts unplanned hospitalizations during cancer therapy

An artificial intelligence (AI) model developed by researchers can predict the likelihood that a patient may have an unplanned hospitalization during their radiation treatments for cancer. The machine-learning model uses daily step counts as a proxy to monitor patients' health as they go through cancer therapy, offering clinicians a real-time method to provide personalized care. Findings will be presented today at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting. An estimated 10-20% of patients who receive outpatient radiation or chemoradiation therapy will need acute care in the form of an emergency department (ED) visit or hospital admission during their cancer treatment. These unplanned hospitalizations can be a major challenge for people undergoing cancer treatment, causing treatment interruptions and stress that may impact clinical outcomes.