New Initiative 'LifeBoost' Aims to Enhance Quality of Life for Cancer Patients

The Medical University of Innsbruck has announced a groundbreaking initiative designed to improve the quality of life for individuals undergoing immunotherapy for cancer. This project, named 'LifeBoost', is spearheaded by a dedicated team at the university, which includes experts from various fields.

The Ludwig Boltzmann Society has granted half a million euros to the project following a rigorous selection process conducted by an international jury. The initiative aims to utilize a digital platform that systematically and continuously monitors the quality of life of cancer patients. This approach will help document the efficacy of treatment from the patients' perspectives, as emphasized by the university's representatives.

At the heart of this initiative is the 'Computer-based Health Evaluation System' (CHES), a software developed in Innsbruck that is already being utilized by the Austrian Cancer Aid. The primary objective of LifeBoost is not only to enhance patients' quality of life but also to encourage adherence to therapy through digital connectivity and group support. Patients will be able to access various resources directly via the platform, ensuring they remain connected to their treatment teams throughout their care process.

Renate Pichler, the project leader and an associate professor of Translational Urological Oncology at the Medical University of Innsbruck, explained that the program is set to develop and assess a range of previously established support services. These services will encompass areas such as nutrition, physical activity, music education, and psycho-oncological support. Many of these interventions have been individually implemented in the past; however, LifeBoost aims to combine them in a targeted and needs-based manner.

The 'LifeBoost' project is one of three initiatives that succeeded in the selection process by the Ludwig Boltzmann Society, thus becoming part of the 'Cancer Mission Lab' program. This program was established to enhance the understanding of cancer, improve treatment effectiveness, and primarily focus on improving the quality of life for patients.

The interdisciplinary project team includes researchers from the Innsbruck University, representatives from the Austrian Cancer Aid, experts from the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, and staff from the Private Medical University of Salzburg. The LifeBoost initiative is projected to last for three years, during which the team will work to implement and refine this innovative approach to cancer care.