Online first
Review paper
Published online: 2024-08-12
Mobile applications in treatment of cancer pain — a systematic review
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DOI: 10.5603/ocp.100981
Abstract
Introduction. Chronic pain is often the greatest burden cancer patients experience, impacting their quality of life and daily functioning. Mobile applications are increasingly being utilized in the treatment of chronic diseases. Our review aimed to research whether mobile applications are effective in the treatment of cancer pain.
Methods. Searches were conducted at the beginning of April 2024. Relevant studies were identified through databases including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The effects of apps were assessed by meta-analysis and descriptive analysis.
Results. In randomized control trials (RCT), the estimated standardized mean difference in pain reduction between combined trial and control groups based on the random effects model was –0.3879 (95% CI from –1.06 to 0.29) and was not statistically significant (z = –1.13; p = 0.26). The data was heterogenous (Q = 25.99; p < 0.0001; I2 = 92.49%). In single-arm studies, the estimated average standardized mean difference based on the RE model was –0.4015 (95% CI from –0.59 to –0.22). The outcome was significant (z = –4.28; p < 0.0001) and the data were homogenous (Q = 2.16; p = 0.54; I2 = 0.00%). The results of other studies where we conducted descriptive analysis were statistically significant and showed cancer pain reduction using different scales.
Conclusions. Our analysis indicates that applications can be effective in managing cancer pain. Modern apps, with their advanced algorithms, show promise for future cancer pain treatment. However, our analysis was limited by lack of data on pain control prevalence in oncological populations, highlighting the need for more high-quality RCTs on larger patient groups.
Keywords: mobile applicationscancer painmobile healthpain management
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