Digital Therapeutics in Oncology: Findings, Barriers and Prospects. A Narrative Review

Abstract

Digital therapeutics (DTx) have been defined as technologies that "offer therapeutic interventions driven by high-quality software programs, based on scientific evidence obtained through methodologically rigorous confirmatory clinical investigation, to prevent, manage and treat a broad spectrum of physical, mental and behavioural conditions". DTx products are on the market in a number of countries or under development for a broad range of physical and behavioral conditions, including oncology treatment management. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an update on findings available for DTx, specifically developed for the treatment of patients with cancer. A search was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Clinicaltrials.gov and Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien, as well as some websites specifically concerned with DTx.

App-Based Lifestyle Coaching (PINK!) Accompanying Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors to Reduce Psychological Distress and Fatigue and Improve Physical Activity: A Feasibility Pilot Study

“…Those digital interventions can address unmet needs of patients in regard to self-care, lifestyle, and symptom management, which leads to higher adherence, educated, and empowered patients that self-manage their disease and treatment. This in turn improves the quality of care, access to new treatment options, safety of medications, health outcomes such as side effects and quality of life, and in the end the medical costs [42]. Other studies show that empowering breast cancer patients to increase their physical activity level has potential to improve survival and to decrease the risk of mortality from breast cancer by up to 40%.…”

Digital Health for Oncological Care

“…Twenty Food and Drug Administration–cleared and commercially available digital therapeutics currently exist 56 . Current oncology examples of digital therapeutics focus on care for mental health and adverse treatment effects 57 . Such therapeutics, in addition to many other types of digital health offerings, could be housed within digital health formularies 16 …”

Digital Therapeutics for Improving Effectiveness of Pharmaceutical Drugs and Biological Products: Preclinical and Clinical Studies Supporting Development of Drug + Digital Combination Therapies for Chronic Diseases

“…In a narrative review, Gussoni and colleagues summarized commercially available DTx for oncology indications [112]. The majority of these mobile apps are focused on symptom monitoring and management, and improving quality of life (QoL).…”