Revolutionizing psychological care in oncology: A comprehensive review of emerging technologies and their impact on cancer patients

Title : Revolutionizing psychological care in oncology: A comprehensive review of emerging technologies and their impact on cancer patients

Abstract:

Background: The psychological impact of cancer is profound, influencing the quality of life, treatment adherence, and overall outcomes for patients. With advancements in technology, new therapeutic modalities have emerged, offering innovative ways to address the psychological needs of cancer patients. This review aims to systematically explore and synthesize the latest technologies employed in psychological care for cancer patients, evaluating their efficacy, accessibility, and patient receptivity.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for studies published between January 2015 and August 2025. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies on technologies, including virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbots, telepsychology platforms, and mobile health applications. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Jadad Scale, and data were synthesized through a narrative approach.

Findings: The review included 47 studies, highlighting four main technological interventions. First, VR has been effectively used for pain management and anxiety reduction during procedures such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Second, AI-powered chatbots have provided continuous psychological support, facilitating symptom tracking and personalized coping strategies. Third, telepsychology has bridged the gap for patients in remote areas, offering real-time counseling sessions with licensed psychologists. Lastly, mobile health apps have supported daily mental health management, featuring modules on mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and emotional self-regulation.

Conclusions: Emerging technologies in psychological care for cancer patients show promising results in improving patient well-being and engagement with treatment protocols. Particularly, VR and AI chatbots have demonstrated significant potential in reducing distress and enhancing patient-provider communication. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to evaluate the long-term benefits of these technologies and develop guidelines for integrating them into standard cancer care protocols. The adoption of these technologies not only supports cancer survivors in managing psychological distress but also empowers them with tools to improve their mental health and quality of life during and post-treatment.

Keywords: Cancer psychology, Telepsychology, Digital health, Oncological care, Psychological interventions.

Biography:

Dr. Manijeh Firoozi is an Associate Professor of Health Psychology at the University of Tehran, Iran. She holds a Ph.D. in Health Psychology & Fellowship in Psycho-Oncology from the University of Tehran. She has dedicated her academic and clinical work to advancing psychological interventions for individuals living with chronic illnesses. Her primary research interest lies in palliative and end-of-life care, where she focuses on developing evidence-based, compassionate psychological support systems tailored to the emotional and existential needs of patients facing terminal diagnoses. Dr. Firoozi’s commitment to this field is deeply personal: after losing her beloved brother, Dr. Mehran Firoozi, to cancer, she vowed to devote her work to easing the suffering of those at the end of life. Her research now bridges scientific rigor with human connection, striving to create impactful solutions that uphold dignity, meaning, and emotional comfort for patients and their families. Through international collaboration and interdisciplinary dialogue, she hopes to extend the reach of culturally sensitive palliative care models across borders.