A scoping review on the feasibility and efficacy of mobile health applications in the management of breakthrough pain in cancer patients

BMC Health Serv Res. 2026 Apr 3. doi: 10.1186/s12913-026-14480-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) is a significant pain subtype affecting 60%-90% of advanced cancer patients. It is characterized by sudden onset, high intensity, and unpredictability, severely impairing function and quality of life. Mobile health (mHealth) applications are emerging as tools for real-time pain monitoring and management, but evidence of their feasibility and effectiveness remains limited.

OBJECTIVE: This scoping review summarizes the application status of mHealth apps in BTcP management, focusing on clinical functions, feasibility, and effectiveness.

METHODS: This scoping review was conducted in 2024 using the 5-step framework of Arksey and O'Malley. On October 20, 2025, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Ovid MEDLIN, CNKI, and other databases using key terms related to BTcP, mHealth, and pain management. Data were extracted and narratively synthesized.

RESULTS: A total of 10 studies from 4 countries (Spain, China, the United States, and Germany) were included. The study designs comprised 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 1 quantitative study, 1 feasibility clinical trial, 2 mixed-methods studies, and 1 prospective multicenter study. The functions of the application were categorized into four domains: pain monitoring and data collection, data and management module, clinical decision-making module, and communication and alerting functions. Feasibility outcomes were evaluated in 7 studies, and effectiveness outcomes were included in 5 studies.

CONCLUSION: Mobile health applications have demonstrated potential in back pain management; however, their feasibility and effectiveness metrics require further refinement. By analyzing included studies to develop an intervention framework for managing cancer breakthrough pain using mobile health applications, it is possible to enhance pain monitoring efficacy and the capacity for timely intervention, ultimately improving patients' quality of life.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

PMID:41933335 | DOI:10.1186/s12913-026-14480-8