A graduate of the Ross University School of Medicine, Dr. Matthew Taub completed postdoctoral training in oncology and hematology at New York Medical College. Based in Florida, Dr. Matthew Taub offers treatment through Everglades Oncology and Hematology in Miramar. He approaches patients with compassion and understands that everyone experiences a cancer diagnosis and treatment side effects differently.
A researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital recently found that a smartphone app called ePAL that makes use of artificial intelligence (AI) could actually help patients manage cancer-related pain. Patients in a study reported an average reduction in pain severity scores of 20 percent after eight weeks of app use, while those individuals in usual care reported no change. Furthermore, among a randomized study involving 112 patients with solid tumors, ePAL reduced the risk of hospital admission by about 70 percent. However, patients using the app did report increased anxiety.
The app helps patients differentiate between severe and moderate pain and connects them to the appropriate resource, whether that is clinical or educational feedback. While more research needs to be done, the findings show the viability of using apps to track and manage cancer-related pain.
