Application of Digital Health Interventions for Cognitive Management in Children With Cancer: Scoping Review
Journal of Medical Internet Research ·
Background: Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer have substantially improved survival, resulting in a growing population of survivors of childhood cancer who may experience long-term treatment-related sequelae. Cognitive late effects are an important long-term consequence of childhood cancer and can affect cognitive functioning, psychosocial well-being, and quality of life. Digital health interventions offer accessible and flexible approaches to managing cognitive difficulties among children with cancer. However, the existing evidence has not yet been comprehensively synthesized. Objective: This study aimed to map and synthesize the existing evidence on digital health interventions for cognitive management among children with cancer; characterize intervention modalities, delivery approaches, and functional components; and identify evidence gaps and priorities for future research. Methods: This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Arksey and O’Malley framework and the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist. Six academic databases, including PubMed, Embase (Ovid), CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, were systematically searched for relevant studies published between January 2010 and August 2026. Eligibility criteria were developed using the population-concept-context framework. Two reviewers independently performed study screening and data extraction. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Screening was performed independently at the title/abstract and full-text stages, with disagreements resolved through discussion and, when necessary, consultation with a third reviewer. Descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis were used to synthesize the findings. Results: A total of 5371 records were identified through the literature search. Following screening, 19 publications representing 14 independent study samples and involving 566 children with cancer were included. Four digital health modalities were identified: computer-based interventions, internet-based interventions, mobile apps, and neurofeedback training. Computer-based interventions were the predominant modality. Across these modalities, working memory and attention were the most frequently targeted cognitive domains, while feasibility, acceptability, and adherence were the most commonly assessed implementation-related outcomes. However, relatively few interventions incorporated coach support, telephone-based communication, or educational components, and none evaluated economic outcomes. Conclusions: Although digital health interventions show promise for supporting cognitive function in children with cancer, substantial gaps remain in the current evidence. This scoping review mapped the field according to intervention modalities, delivery approaches, and functional components, rather than focusing solely on the efficacy of individual technologies. Future research should prioritize the development of multidimensional, personalized, and functionally integrated digital health interventions that combine cognitive training with supportive care, education, monitoring, and communication. Multicenter randomized controlled trials should subsequently evaluate these interventions using clinically meaningful outcomes, with comprehensive assessments of safety, adherence, implementation, and health economic outcomes to establish their effectiveness, feasibility, and sustainability.