Researchers Develop Smart Device to Regulate Hormonal Balance Post-Brain Tumor Treatment
TU Eindhoven, in collaboration with Princess Máxima Centre and Corsano, is developing a smart device to help children and adolescents regulate hormonal balance after brain tumor treatment.
Understanding the Challenge
Young adults who survive brain tumors in the hypothalamus face a unique set of challenges. Although their chance of survival is high, many are left with a poorly functioning hypothalamus. This critical brain region regulates essential bodily functions, including day-night rhythms, body temperature, and the balance of water and fat. Without a solid connection between the hypothalamus and other brain areas, patients can experience significant hormonal imbalances affecting their behavior and emotional stability.
The Innovation: A Smart Device
To address these issues, researchers at TU Eindhoven have partnered with the Princess Máxima Centre for Pediatric Oncology and Corsano, a wearable technology company. Funded by the KWF Dutch Cancer Society, they are developing a smartwatch designed to function as an ‘external hypothalamus.’ This device aims to assist young patients in regulating impulses related to eating, drinking, sleeping, and physical activity.
How the Device Works
The smartwatch leverages existing, tested, and approved technologies to ensure safety and reliability. It primarily monitors non-invasive indicators such as sodium levels in interstitial fluids, which is crucial for maintaining fluid balance. This focus on non-invasive techniques is especially important given the invasive procedures these young patients have already endured.
Collaborative Efforts and Funding
The project is a collaborative effort between Dr. Hanneke van Santen, an oncologist at Princess Máxima Centre, and Yuan Lu, a researcher in Industrial Design at TU Eindhoven. The initiative has been selected as part of the Fight Cancer campaign in 2024, underscoring its importance and urgency. The KWF Dutch Cancer Society’s funding is instrumental in pushing this project forward.
Future Prospects and Community Support
Community support plays a vital role in this endeavor. The ‘Swim to Fight Cancer’ event in Eindhoven on June 29th aims to raise further funding for this groundbreaking research. Yuan Lu expressed gratitude for the support and emphasized the project’s potential to significantly improve the quality of life for young patients and their families.
A Step Towards Better Quality of Life
This smart device represents a significant step forward in healthtech, specifically in pediatric oncology. By providing a non-invasive method to monitor and regulate hormonal balance, it offers hope for better management of chronic conditions resulting from hypothalamic tumors. The collaboration between TU Eindhoven, Princess Máxima Centre, and Corsano epitomizes the innovative spirit of the Brainport Eindhoven region, known for its cutting-edge technological advancements.