Innovative Irish AI Tool Aims to Reduce Chemotherapy Cancellations by 25%

A new digital innovation from Trinity College Dublin is set to transform cancer care by reducing last-minute chemotherapy cancellations by up to 25%. The company, eAltra, has developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered conversational platform designed to facilitate better communication between patients and healthcare providers, ultimately improving treatment outcomes.

Founded by Denis Roche, who has a rich background in medical technology, eAltra aims to address the significant issue of unexpected treatment cancellations that can lead to patient distress and inefficient use of hospital resources. Research indicates that approximately 20% of chemotherapy sessions are canceled after patients arrive at the hospital due to unforeseen medical issues, often linked to inadequate patient feedback and communication (Cancer Research UK, 2023).

The platform employs a unique conversational AI interface that simulates nurse-led interviews, using standardized questionnaires to gather important patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). According to Roche, "The better patients can articulate their health status, the more informed the clinical decisions can be." This approach not only enhances patient engagement but also streamlines the process for healthcare staff, who often struggle to collect vital information from multiple communication channels (Roche, 2025).

eAltra’s system enables patients to complete their assessments online via a secure link sent 24 hours prior to their scheduled treatment. This innovation has the potential to significantly cut down on the time clinicians spend on patient assessments, reducing it from an average of seven minutes to approximately three and a half minutes, thus allowing healthcare providers to treat more patients efficiently (Health Innovation Hub Ireland, 2025).

The development of eAltra involved collaboration with clinical experts, including cancer nurses and oncologists from leading institutions such as St James’s Hospital and Tallaght Hospital in Ireland. The platform has been piloted at St James's Hospital and is poised to expand into the UK market, with aspirations to enter the US healthcare system in the future (eAltra, 2025).

This innovative tool is part of a broader trend in healthcare technology aimed at enhancing patient experience and operational efficiency. According to Dr. Sarah Johnson, a healthcare technology expert at Harvard University, "AI-driven solutions like eAltra are crucial as they not only improve patient outcomes but also alleviate the administrative burden on healthcare providers."

The success of eAltra comes at a time when the healthcare industry is increasingly recognizing the importance of patient engagement in treatment processes. The platform could revolutionize how cancer care is delivered, fostering a more proactive approach to patient management and potentially improving survival rates across various demographics (World Health Organization, 2023).

As eAltra prepares for its next fundraising round, having already secured €1.4 million in state assistance and angel investment, the company is poised for significant growth as it seeks to enhance cancer care on a broader scale. The implications of this technology extend beyond Ireland, offering a potential model for healthcare systems globally to reduce inefficiencies and improve patient outcomes in cancer treatment (Enterprise Ireland, 2025).

In conclusion, as cancer treatment continues to evolve, innovations like eAltra are essential in bridging the gap between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that no patient is left behind due to miscommunication or administrative hurdles. The future of cancer care may very well depend on how effectively these technologies can be integrated into existing healthcare frameworks, ultimately leading to enhanced patient care and better health outcomes.