APPLICATIONS OF MOBILE HEALTH (MHEALTH) IN ONCOLOGICAL TREATMENT SUPPORT: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW ON ADHERENCE, SAFETY, AND IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/arev8n5-094Keywords:
Mobile Applications, Neoplasms, Telemedicine, Medication Adherence, Patient SafetyAbstract
This study aims to analyze scientific evidence regarding the use of mobile applications (mHealth) as an auxiliary tool for patients undergoing oncological treatment, identifying impacts on therapeutic adherence, safety, and implementation challenges. An integrative literature review was conducted across databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus. The study included research published between 2019 and 2026 that addressed smartphone-based interventions for oncological support. The results indicate that mHealth is effective in improving medication adherence, particularly among patients with a history of low adherence or anxiety. Real-time symptom monitoring (ePROs) reduced the risk of severe toxicities by up to 25%. Furthermore, the integration of Artificial Intelligence and wearables has emerged as a significant trend for predicting clinical complications. It is concluded that mobile applications are viable and promising tools for cancer safety and self-management. However, digital exclusion, usability challenges for the elderly, and the protection of sensitive data remain critical barriers to their full integration into healthcare systems.
Downloads
References
BIRLA, M. et al. Integrating Artificial Intelligence-Driven Wearable Technology in Oncology Decision-Making: A Narrative Review. Oncology, v. 103, n. 1, p. 69-82, 2025. DOI: 10.1159/000540494
CHOW, S. M.; TAN, B. K. Effectiveness of mHealth apps on adherence and symptoms to oral anticancer medications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Supportive Care in Cancer, v. 32, n. 7, p. 426, 2024. DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08635-8
CRAFOORD, M. T. et al. Engagement in an Interactive App for Symptom Self-Management during Treatment in Patients With Breast or Prostate Cancer: Mixed Methods Study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, v. 22, n. 8, e17058, 2020. DOI: 10.2196/17058
DHAR, E. et al. A Scoping Review and a Taxonomy to Assess the Impact of Mobile Apps on Cancer Care Management. Cancers, v. 15, n. 6, p. 1775, 2023. DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061775
FLAUCHER, M. et al. Acceptance, Perceived Usefulness, and Data Sharing in Mobile Health Apps Among Patients With Breast Cancer: Cross-Sectional Survey Study. JMIR Cancer, v. 12, e77750, 2026. DOI: 10.2196/77750
GREER, J. A. et al. Randomized Trial of a Smartphone Mobile App to Improve Symptoms and Adherence to Oral Therapy for Cancer. Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (JNCCN), v. 18, n. 2, p. 133-141, 2020. DOI: 10.6004/jnccn.2019.7354
HERNANDEZ SILVA, E.; LAWLER, S.; LANGBECKER, D. The effectiveness of mHealth for self-management in improving pain, psychological distress, fatigue, and sleep in cancer survivors: a systematic review. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, v. 13, n. 1, p. 97-107, 2019. DOI: 10.1007/s11764-018-0730-8
HUSSAIN, R.; ABABNEH, B. F.; BABAR, Z. U. D. The impact of mHealth interventions on medication adherence in breast cancer: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice, v. 19, n. 1, 2633827, 2026. DOI: 10.1080/20523211
HWANG, H. C. et al. Efficacy of an app for self-efficacy of patients with cancer through tailored information delivery and coaching: protocol for a randomized controlled trial. BMC Public Health, v. 26, n. 1, p. 23, 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s12889-025-25710-9
LIU, W. et al. Effectiveness of Mobile Health for Improving Medication Adherence in Patients With Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Medical Internet Research, v. 28, e85949, 2026. DOI: 10.2196/85949
SAMADBEIK, M. et al. Mobile health interventions for cancer patient education: A scoping review. International Journal of Medical Informatics, v. 179, p. 105214, 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2023.105214.
VAFFIS, S. et al. Features of Cancer mHealth Apps and Evidence for Patient Preferences: Scoping Literature Review. JMIR Cancer, v. 9, e37330, 2023. DOI: 10.2196/37330
VILLINGER, K.; BERLI, C.; SCHOLZ, U. App-based interventions to improve cancer outcomes rely on informational support from professionals: a systematic review. Health Psychology Review, v. 18, n. 4, p. 767-789, 2024. DOI: 10.1080/17437199
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO). mHealth: New horizons for health through mobile technologies. Global Observatory for eHealth series - Volume 3. Geneva: WHO Press, 2011. Disponível em: https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/44607. Acesso em: 13 maio 2026.
YAO, H. et al. Effectiveness of Mobile Health Interventions in Pediatric Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, v. 14, e86836, 2026. DOI: 10.2196/86836
