The study investigated the use of smartwatches to monitor psychological anxiety in patients undergoing RT. By tracking biological signals such as the heart rate and stress scores both before and during treatment sessions, the researchers gained insights into the dynamic shifts in anxiety levels through the treatment course. Notably, the study found that female and younger patients experienced higher levels of stress, and anxiety levels tended to decrease as the treatment progressed.

In advanced RT practices, such as SBRT delivering high fractional doses, target accuracy is crucial, thus necessitating exact patient positioning through precise image guidance technologies such as cone-beam computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging. The extended duration required for image acquisition and patient setup can exacerbate patient anxiety, which could consequently compromise the positioning accuracy. Thus, managing patient anxiety in these settings is not only critical for patient comfort but also for the technical success of the procedure.

Another emerging application in RT is the use of virtual and mixed reality (VR/MixR) technologies [6]. These tools are being explored for various purposes, including staff or patient education and during RT delivery to improve patient comfort and compliance. For instance, VR can be used to simulate the treatment environment for patients before actual therapy begins, which aids in alleviating the fear of the unknown and reduces anxiety [6]. MixR applications can overlay images from planned CT scans onto the patient's body to aid in precision during setup and treatment delivery, enhancing the accuracy and efficacy of the therapy [7].

This continuous monitoring through smartwatches offers a non-invasive, real-time approach to assess and potentially alleviate the negative effects of anxiety on treatment efficacy. Traditional anxiety assessment methods, including patient-reported outcomes and clinical observations, may not capture these fluctuations entirely. However, smartwatches provide continuous data that can enhance patient management strategies by pinpointing moments of heightened anxiety [8].

Such real-time monitoring is a significant stride towards personalized medicine in oncology. The data collected can inform interventions tailored to individual patient needs, such as psychological counseling, adjustments in treatment planning, or additional patient support [9]. These interventions can be crucial in managing anxiety, potentially improving patient compliance and the overall success of RT.

However, although the findings from the study by Jeong et al. [5] are promising, further research validating these methods against traditional assessments of anxiety is warranted [10]. Future studies should involve larger and more diverse patient populations to confirm these results and refine the integration of wearable technology into standard radiation oncology protocols.

In summary, the integration of wearable technology, such as smartwatches, and the application of VR/MixR to RT practices offer exciting possibilities. It not only enhances our understanding of patient anxiety during RT but also opens new avenues for improving treatment outcomes through personalized patient care. As this technology continues to develop, it can potentially become an integral part of radiation oncology, transforming how patient care is delivered in this highly technical field. Further research and development are essential to realize all the benefits of wearable technology and VR/MixR in managing the psychological aspects of cancer treatment, ensuring that RT not only targets the cancer effectively but also supports the overall well-being of the patients.