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. 2023 Apr;199(4):337-349.
doi: 10.1007/s00066-023-02048-y. Epub 2023 Feb 21.

Mobile applications in radiation oncology-current choices and future potentials

Stefan Janssen  1   2 , Rami A El Shafie  3 , Arne M Ruder  4 , Daniel Buergy  5 , Davide Scafa  6 , Frank A Giordano  5 , Nils H Nicolay  7 , Marco M E Vogel  8   9 , Stephanie E Combs  8   9 , Fabian B Fahlbusch  10 , Dirk Rades  11 , Lukas Käsmann  12   13
Affiliations

Mobile applications in radiation oncology-current choices and future potentials

Stefan Janssen et al. Strahlenther Onkol. 2023 Apr.

Abstract

Purpose: To review existing scientific literature on mobile applications (apps) in the field of radiation oncology and to evaluate characteristics of commercially available apps across different platforms.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature for publications presenting apps in the field of radiation oncology was carried out using the PubMed database, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, and annual meetings of major radiation oncology societies. Additionally, the two major marketplaces for apps, App Store and Play Store, were searched for available radiation oncology apps for patients and health care professionals (HCP).

Results: A total of 38 original publications which met the inclusion criteria were identified. Within those publications, 32 apps were developed for patients and 6 for HCP. The vast majority of patient apps focused on documenting electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs). In the two major marketplaces, 26 apps were found, mainly supporting HCP with dose calculations.

Conclusion: Apps used in (and for) scientific research in radiation oncology are rarely available for patients and HCP in common marketplaces.

Keywords: Digitalization; Electronic health (e-health); Electronic patient reported outcome (ePROs); Radiotherapy; Smart phone apps.

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Conflict of interest statement

S. Janssen, R.A. El Shafie, A.M. Ruder, D. Buergy, D. Scafa, F.A. Giordano, N.H. Nicolay, M.M.E. Vogel, S.E. Combs, F.B. Fahlbusch, D. Rades, and L. Käsmann declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
PRISMA flowchart for the search of scientific literature. RT radiotherapy
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
PRISMA flowchart for search in two major app stores. RT radiotherapy
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
a Example of a representative app for digital care management for health care professionals and patients: Care Hub Mobile App (Care Hub Digital Limited, v3.3.4, via App Store). Developed in the UK. App download and use free of charge. Password-restricted access. Features: monitoring of medication and task changes. Automation of assessments. Use not restricted to radiotherapy. Evaluation results: no user reviews available so far. b Example of a representative app for digital therapy and health care assistance: MyOnCare App (ONCARE GmbH, v1.6.2, via App Store). Developed in Germany. App download and use free of charge. Password-restricted access (via QR code of participating medical center). Features: exchange of medical data, (e.g., medication plans, support, activities, etc.) between health care professionals and patients. Use not restricted to radiotherapy. Evaluation results: 5 out of 5 (12 user reviews)
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