Technology to Empower Patients with T Leukemia

The ALL-TARGET project is studying new therapeutic options for the treatment of relapsed or refractory T-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL) based on a functional approach. The objective of the project is to validate a precision medicine strategy for this disease by conducting a prospective randomized trial in six European countries. It entails a European consortium formed by doctors, foundations fighting against cancer, and multidisciplinary researchers under the ATTRACT program, an initiative to accelerate the development of drugs for rare cancer diseases promoted by six European foundations: the Spanish Association Against Cancer Foundation, the Anticancer Fund (Belgium), the ARC Foundation (France), Kon op tegen Kanker (Belgium), the Dutch Cancer Society (Netherlands), and the Rising Tide Foundation for Clinical Cancer Research (Switzerland).

The T-ALL type of leukemia affects patients beyond treatment as it is a recurrent disease in which patients may require successive treatments. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), psychosocial and emotional support are as important as medical treatment for patients with cancer, especially in long-term diseases or for individuals with a high risk of relapse, such as those with lymphoblastic leukemia. For all these reasons, the quality of life of patients affected by this type of leukemia is an essential element to consider for treatment, and instruments that can evaluate it within this context are essential.

This is where Dr Albert Fornells Herrera and Dr Cristina Montañola Sales, researchers from the Applied Data Analytics and Modelling IQS (ADAMIQS) research group, are integrated into the ALLTARGET project, in which they are leading the most technological part of it by designing and implementing a mobile application developed specifically for patients participating in the study and driving patient-centered medical innovation within precision medicine. The aim is to empower T leukemia patients through digital tools. The design of the application is being done jointly with Dr Eulalia Genescà of the Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, and features collaboration from the ALAN network (Acute Leukemia Advocates Network), advocates of acute leukemia, and the European Hematology Association, which promotes excellence in patient care, research, and education in hematology to help validate content.

The mobile application, called ONA (currently in the testing phase), aims to accompany and monitor patients throughout their treatment, compiling the results reported by the patients themselves and offering them digital support and empathy throughout the treatment process.

Mediante el desarrollo de contenidos interactivos diseñados específicamente para mejorar su bienestar durante el tratamiento, abordando aspectos como la alimentación, el ejercicio físico, la higiene, la gestión emocional o la estimulación cognitiva. Además, la aplicación facilita los encuentros telemáticos con pacientes voluntarios que han superado la enfermedad, ofreciendo espacios de soporte mutuo, moderados y programados.

This comprehensive approach makes it possible to explore how technology can contribute to improving the quality of life of patients, supporting emotional accompaniment and optimizing the care response in a complex clinical context.

With this initiative, the ADAMIQS group is contributing to driving patient-centered medical innovation within precision medicine, combining technological expertise with a humanistic vision of care. Through digital tools, this project seeks to empower patients, improve communication between patients and healthcare professionals, and transform the way we understand and support quality of life in complex scenarios.

For more information about the application that has been developed, please contact alltarget@iqs.url.edu. The IQS ALLTARGET project is receiving funding within the ATTRACT program through the Spanish Association against Cancer (AECC).