Work

Extended reality in supporting cancer patients and survivors: A systematic review on the benefits and challenges across the cancer care continuum

Year: 2025

Type: review

Abstract: Purpose: Our study explores the role of extended reality (XR) in supporting cancer patients. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across six electronic databases. We adhered to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) reviews. Results: We included 62 studies. XR technologies were mainly applied during the treatment phase (64.5% of studies), with additional applications in palliative care and during survivorship (33.9%). One study addressed the diagnosis phase, and none supported prevention or early detection. XR showed effective results supporting patients in seven areas: anxiety and stress reduction (n = 40), pain management (n = 19) and symptom tracking (n = 14). Challenges identified related to physical discomfort, technical issues, and user compliance. Conclusions: XR interventions demonstrate significant potential in improving patient outcomes, particularly in anxiety reduction and symptom management. However, their application remains unevenly distributed across the cancer care continuum.

Source: Future Healthcare Journal

DOI: 10.1016/j.fhj.2025.100483

Authors: Safa Elkefi, Achraf Tounsi, Siwar Boudiche, Alicia K. Matthews, Rose Hernandez, Noureddine Lourimi

Institutions: Binghamton University, National Engineering School of Tunis, University of Illinois Chicago

Language: English

Topic: Virtual Reality Applications and Impacts

Subfield: Human-Computer Interaction

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000