Application of digital health interventions in the management of economic toxicity in cancer patients: A scoping review

Background: New cancer cases are rising year by year. With continuous improvements in comprehensive treatment, the survival time of cancer patients is extending, gradually showing a trend towards chronic disease status and long-term management. Economic toxicity refers to the negative psychological, material, and behavioral impacts on patients and their families caused by the high costs incurred during disease treatment. Digital health intervention, as a management method based on information technology, is characterized by its accessibility, wide coverage, and lack of time and space limitations. Although related research and applications are increasing, a systematic review and comprehensive evaluation are lacking. Objective: This study systematically reviews the current application of digital health interventions in cancer patients, clarifies their implementation characteristics and intervention effects in managing economic toxicity, and provides a reference for intervention programs to reduce the economic toxicity of patients. Methods: Relevant studies were systematically retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, CNKI, CBM, WanFang Database, and VIP Database from their inception to February 6, 2026. Data from the included literature were extracted and analyzed. Results: A total of 22 studies were included. Digital health technologies are applicable to multiple stages of cancer patient diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Among these, remote financial navigation or consultation is the most commonly used intervention method. Existing research has shown positive results in improving cost communication skills, facilitating financial assistance, and enhancing intervention feasibility, but evidence regarding improvements in economic toxicity scales and the alleviation of long-term financial difficulties exhibits some heterogeneity. Conclusion: Digital health technologies, with their high accessibility, scalability, and ease of remote access and follow-up, offer unique advantages in managing the economic toxicity of cancer patients. Current research in this field has gradually shifted from single-stage interventions to comprehensive intervention pathways. Future research should focus on the dynamic evolution of economic toxicity at different stages of diagnosis and treatment, promote the standardization of intervention procedures and outcome evaluations, and develop personalized digital intervention strategies to mitigate the economic toxicity of cancer patients.