eHealth Interventions for Children and Adolescents with Cancer: Scoping Review

Abstract

Children and adolescents with cancer face complex medical and psychological challenges that are increasingly addressed through digital and game-based eHealth interventions. This scoping review systematically mapped 46 unique tools developed between 2010 and 2023, aiming to identify their features, reported outcomes, limitations, and research gaps. A systematic search of five databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus) covering 2000–2025 was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Interventions primarily targeted symptom monitoring (54.3%), psychological support (30.4%), health education (10.9%), and social interaction (4.3%), mostly via mobile/tablet platforms (59.1%). Positive outcomes included improved illness knowledge, reduced anxiety and pain, and enhanced treatment adherence. However, 84% of tools lacked explicit theoretical grounding, engagement often declined over time, advanced hardware was frequently required, and personalization was limited. This review provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date mapping of pediatric oncology eHealth tools to date, with a focus on design narratives and gamification strategies—dimensions underexplored in prior reviews. Findings highlight the need for user-centered, culturally adapted, and theory-informed designs, interdisciplinary collaboration, and rigorous longitudinal evaluation to ensure effective, sustainable digital health solutions for children and adolescents with cancer.