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Peer-reviewedCC BY 4.0Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care

Use of digital technologies to deliver supportive care to adolescents and young adults following treatment for cancer

  • Samantha C. Sodergren1
  • Nicole Collaço2
  1. 1School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
  2. 2University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Abstract

Purpose of review: This review synthesises recent evidence on digital interventions designed to support adolescents and young adults (AYAs) following cancer treatment. It evaluates their effectiveness in addressing complex psychosocial and healthcare needs and their potential to enhance access to personalised, flexible supportive care. This is timely given improving survival rates, persistent gaps in age-appropriate follow-up, and growing interest in digital and AI-enabled care.

Recent findings: Digital approaches include web-based programmes, mobile health applications, telehealth models, and emerging AI-driven tools. These interventions show promise for improving psychological outcomes, self-management, and access to support. However, the evidence base is limited, with most studies focused on feasibility and acceptability rather than efficacy. Findings are constrained by small, often unrepresentative samples, short follow-up periods, and limited evaluation of long-term outcomes and engagement.

Summary: Digital technologies offer significant potential to improve AYA supportive care, but robust evidence is lacking. Most interventions adopt a ‘human-in-the-loop’ model, emphasising the continued role of healthcare professionals. High-quality trials are needed to establish clinical benefit and feasibility. Future research should prioritise sustainability, user engagement, accessibility, and integration into existing care pathways without increasing the burden on healthcare systems.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{sodergren2026digital,
  title = {{Use of digital technologies to deliver supportive care to adolescents and young adults following treatment for cancer}},
  author = {Samantha C. Sodergren and Nicole Collaço},
  journal = {Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care},
  year = {2026},
  month = oct,
  doi = {10.1097/spc.0000000000000821},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1097/spc.0000000000000821},
  note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Use of digital technologies to deliver supportive care to adolescents and young adults following treatment for cancer
AU  - Samantha C. Sodergren
AU  - Nicole Collaço
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/10/02
JO  - Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care
DO  - 10.1097/spc.0000000000000821
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1097/spc.0000000000000821
AB  - Purpose of review: This review synthesises recent evidence on digital interventions designed to support adolescents and young adults (AYAs) following cancer treatment. It evaluates their effectiveness in addressing complex psychosocial and healthcare needs and their potential to enhance access to personalised, flexible supportive care. This is timely given improving survival rates, persistent gaps in age-appropriate follow-up, and growing interest in digital and AI-enabled care.  Recent findings: Digital approaches include web-based programmes, mobile health applications, telehealth models, and emerging AI-driven tools. These interventions show promise for improving psychological outcomes, self-management, and access to support. However, the evidence base is limited, with most studies focused on feasibility and acceptability rather than efficacy. Findings are constrained by small, often unrepresentative samples, short follow-up periods, and limited evaluation of long-term outcomes and engagement.  Summary: Digital technologies offer significant potential to improve AYA supportive care, but robust evidence is lacking. Most interventions adopt a ‘human-in-the-loop’ model, emphasising the continued role of healthcare professionals. High-quality trials are needed to establish clinical benefit and feasibility. Future research should prioritise sustainability, user engagement, accessibility, and integration into existing care pathways without increasing the burden on healthcare systems.
SN  - 1751-4258
SN  - 1751-4266
ER  -