Elekta has announced a collaboration with Merck & Co (MSD) to enhance care for individuals with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) through the use of digital patient monitoring.

This initiative utilises Elekta’s digital health interventions platform, Kaiku Health, for patient engagement and monitoring of reported outcomes.

Elekta said the partnership focuses on developing a digital module that connects patients with their care team and educates them about their condition, treatment options, and potential side effects.

MSD global oncology marketing vice-president Marc Gailhardou said: “By combining forces, we aim to empower patients and healthcare providers to optimise patients’ treatment journey and enable shared treatment decisions and communication.”

The digital module will provide comprehensive symptom monitoring along with patient support, ensuring that individuals receive tailored and timely assistance.

It will also offer digital education and support materials specifically designed for patients undergoing immuno-oncology (IO)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor combination therapy for advanced RCC.

Elekta business line software head and senior vice-president Anish Patankar said: “Addressing potential challenges in cancer care involves the implementation of digital patient support. With the support of MSD, our shared objective is to improve communication between patients and their care teams.

“This initiative aims to provide structured support for symptom management and monitoring while also educating patients about their disease and treatment.”

The module is planned to be validated through collaborations with cancer clinics across Europe this year.

Last year, Elekta partnered with Bristol Myers Squibb to develop a digital solution for melanoma patients.

Leveraging Kaiku Health, the partnership will facilitate healthcare professionals and their patients’ communication on symptom management.