Digital innovations in breast cancer care: exploring the potential and challenges of digital therapeutics and clinical decision support systems

• Published in: Digital health 2024-01, Vol.10, p.20552076241288821
• Main Authors: Jacobs, Flavia, D’Amico, Saverio, Zazzetti, Elena, Gaudio, Mariangela, Benvenuti, Chiara, Saltalamacchia, Giuseppe, Gerosa, Riccardo, Gentile, Damiano, Lasagna, Angioletta, Pedrazzoli, Paolo, Tinterri, Corrado, Santoro, Armando, Sanctis, Rita De, Porta, Matteo Della, Zambelli, Alberto
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Breast cancer; Clinical decision making; Clinical outcomes; Decision support systems; Innovations; Review; Technological change
• ISSN: 2055-2076; 2055-2076
• DOI: 10.1177/20552076241288821

Modern healthcare is experiencing a significant transformation, utilizing technology to improve patient outcomes and make processes more efficient. Breast cancer, being the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women globally, requires innovative approaches for effective management. Digital Therapeutics (DTx) and Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSSs) have emerged as pivotal technologies, offering personalized, patient-centered care and optimizing clinical decision-making. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the applications, benefits, and challenges of these digital tools in breast cancer treatment. We examine DTx tools’ ability to offer real-time symptom monitoring, treatment adherence, psychological support, and lifestyle modification guidance. Simultaneously, the role of CDSSs in providing personalized treatment recommendations, early detection, data analysis, and enhancing multidisciplinary collaborations is evaluated. The challenges of implementing these technologies, such as data privacy, interoperability, and accessibility are also discussed, along with potential solutions. By exploring the current research findings, the review underscores the significant impact of DTx and CDSSs on patient outcomes, treatment efficiency, and overall quality of life. This manuscript concludes with a forward-looking perspective, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to overcome obstacles and unlock the full potential of digital innovations in breast cancer oncology. Our analysis suggests that adopting these digital tools can lead to more holistic, efficient, and patient-centric cancer care, marking a significant shift in the paradigm of breast cancer management.