Digital Tools for Managing Side Effects and Adherence in Cancer Therapy
Systemic cancer therapy provides lifesaving treatment for many patients, but it often introduces significant treatment-related toxicities. To combat these challenges, healthcare providers are increasingly integrating digital tools into multidisciplinary care plans. These technologies offer new opportunities for the early detection of side effects, the improvement of medication adherence and the overall enhancement of patient outcomes.
- Electronic systems enable patients to report and manage side effects more efficiently.
- Digital interventions improve adherence to oral systemic anticancer therapy (SACT).
- Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging tool for alleviating toxicities through relaxation.
- “Digital toxicity” is a growing concern due to the fragmentation of multiple digital platforms.
Early Detection Through Electronic Reporting
The development of electronic systems designed for patients to report and manage side effects has increased dramatically. These systems allow for a more proactive approach to cancer care by enabling patients to communicate treatment-related toxicities in real-time. By streamlining the reporting process, these tools help clinicians identify and address side effects earlier, potentially reducing the severity of complications associated with systemic therapy (J Med Internet Res).
Improving Adherence to Oral Systemic Anticancer Therapy (SACT)
Adherence to oral SACT is critical for the success of cancer treatment. Still, maintaining a strict medication schedule can be challenging for patients. Digital interventions are now being applied to bridge this gap. A systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that these digital tools are effective in improving medication adherence among patients receiving oral systemic anticancer therapy (JMIR Cancer).
Innovative Support: Virtual Reality and Relaxation
Beyond reporting and adherence, digital technology is venturing into symptom management. Relaxation techniques are known to help alleviate toxicities, but implementing them in standard clinical practice is often hard. Researchers are now testing virtual reality (VR) support during systemic cancer therapy as a way to facilitate these relaxation techniques and reduce the burden of treatment-related toxicities (ESMO Gastro).
The Challenge of Digital Toxicity
Whereas digital tools improve care, they also introduce a new challenge known as “digital toxicity.” This occurs when patients are required to engage with multiple, fragmented digital technologies to manage their care. The lack of integration across these platforms can create an additional burden for the patient. There is a pressing necessitate for integrated, patient-centered digital tools that consolidate these functions into a more seamless experience (ASCO Publications).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is oral SACT?
Oral SACT refers to oral systemic anticancer therapy, which consists of lifesaving medications taken by mouth to treat various types of cancer.
How does virtual reality help cancer patients?
Virtual reality is used to implement relaxation techniques that can help alleviate the toxicities associated with systemic cancer therapy.
What is meant by “digital toxicity” in healthcare?
Digital toxicity refers to the burden placed on patients when they must utilize too many separate and unintegrated digital tools to manage their medical treatment.
Looking Forward
The integration of digital tools into cancer care is transforming the patient experience from passive receiving to active management. As the field moves toward more integrated systems, the focus will likely shift from simply providing digital tools to ensuring those tools function together to reduce patient burden while maximizing the efficacy of systemic therapies.
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