What are Digital Therapeutics (DTx)?

Digital therapeutics, often called DTx, are medically approved software programs that help treat, manage, or prevent health conditions. Instead of a pill or injection, the therapy is delivered through technology — usually on your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

What makes DTx unique is that they are not just “apps” but clinically validated treatments. They are tested in clinical trials, reviewed by regulators, and continuously monitored to make sure they are safe and effective. In cancer care, this means patients gain access to digital tools that support them every day, right from home, alongside the care they already receive from their medical team.

How are DTx Different from Wellness Apps?

It’s easy to confuse digital therapeutics with wellness or fitness apps, but they are very different. Wellness apps can track your steps, remind you to drink water, or guide you through meditation. These can be helpful, but they are not medical treatments — they don’t go through clinical trials, and they don’t require regulatory approval.

Digital therapeutics, on the other hand, are held to the same standards as medicines and medical devices. They must prove that they work in scientific studies, that they are safe, and that they deliver real improvements in health. For a cancer patient, the difference is critical: while a wellness app may help you feel supported, a digital therapeutic is designed to directly improve your health outcomes and is trusted as part of your overall treatment plan.

Why It Matters for Patients

Living with cancer often means dealing with more than just the disease itself. Patients face treatment side effects, emotional stress, and the challenge of managing complex therapy schedules. This is where digital therapeutics can make a profound difference.

• Managing side effects: DTx can guide patients in coping with symptoms like fatigue, pain, or nausea, helping to improve daily comfort and quality of life.

• Supporting mental health: Many patients experience anxiety, depression, or sleep issues during treatment. DTx can provide evidence-based psychological support at home.

• Staying on treatment: Cancer therapies can be complex, and missing doses can affect outcomes. DTx help patients stay on track with reminders, tracking tools, and motivational support.

• Connecting with care teams: Some DTx provide real-time feedback to clinicians, giving doctors valuable insights into how patients are doing outside the clinic and allowing for more personalized care.

• Empowering patients: Perhaps most importantly, DTx put useful tools directly in the hands of patients, giving them more control and involvement in their care journey.