Digital Support and AI in Cancer Care: Insights from Radiation Therapy Pati

Published Date : 09/09/2025 

This study explores the attitudes and acceptance of digital support tools and artificial intelligence (AI) among cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. It highlights the need for improved information provision and trust in new technologies. 

The integration of new technologies, such as digital support tools and artificial intelligence (AI), into cancer diagnostics and treatment is rapidly advancing. These innovations offer promising possibilities for enhancing cancer care. However, evidence on patients' attitudes towards these new technologies remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the utilization, acceptance, and attitudes towards digital support tools and AI within the context of cancer treatment, while also identifying associated patient-related factors.

In this exploratory observational cross-sectional study, 154 adult cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy were surveyed using a set of validated questionnaires and newly developed items. The study assessed the patients' utilization, acceptance, and attitudes towards new technologies, and the impact of associated factors was analyzed using logistic regression models and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).

The study found that the patients, with a mean age of 63.7 years and 51% being male, generally felt inadequately informed about new technologies. Only 12% of the patients felt informed about digital support tools, and 16% felt informed about AI within their cancer care. Despite this, one in two patients had used digital support tools, such as websites, apps, and wearables. The majority of the patients (65%) perceived digital support tools as beneficial for all ages and were open to the use of AI in their healthcare (79%).

However, patients expressed a strong preference for in-person care, and some (27%) indicated concerns about possible mistakes by AI. Trust in new technologies showed a mixed pattern, with older patients, those with lower socioeconomic resources, and limited digital health literacy (DHL) being less likely to use digital support tools. These groups also reported lower trust in new technologies for their cancer care (age: p=0.001, socioeconomic: p=0.002, DHL: p<0.001).

The study concluded that while patients are generally open to the use of AI in healthcare, their concerns highlight the need for future research into the physician's role in ensuring the responsible, safe, and patient-centered utilization of these technologies. Strengthening digital health literacy, improving information provision, and reducing access barriers for vulnerable groups may enable a more effective integration of new technologies into routine cancer care.

The findings of this study underscore the importance of addressing the information gap and building trust in new technologies among cancer patients. By doing so, healthcare providers can better leverage the potential of digital support tools and AI to improve patient outcomes and enhance the overall quality of cancer care. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What are digital support tools in cancer care?

A: Digital support tools in cancer care include various technologies such as websites, mobile apps, and wearable devices that provide information, support, and monitoring to patients undergoing treatment.

Q: How does artificial intelligence (AI) benefit cancer patients?

A: AI can benefit cancer patients by improving the accuracy of diagnostics, personalizing treatment plans, and providing real-time monitoring and support, which can lead to better health outcomes and quality of life.

Q: What were the main findings of the study?

A: The study found that while patients are generally open to using digital support tools and AI, they often feel inadequately informed about these technologies. Older patients, those with lower socioeconomic resources, and limited digital health literacy are less likely to use and trust these technologies.

Q: Why is there a preference for in-person care despite the availability of digital tools?

A: Many patients prefer in-person care due to concerns about the reliability and accuracy of digital tools, as well as the human touch and emotional support provided by healthcare professionals.

Q: What can be done to improve trust in new technologies among cancer patients?

A: To improve trust, healthcare providers can enhance information provision about the benefits and limitations of digital support tools and AI, strengthen digital health literacy, and ensure that these technologies are integrated in a responsible and patient-centered manner. 

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