“Techquity” in pediatric, adolescent and young adult oncology:
addressing inequities through artificial intelligence and immersive
technologies
Abstract
Health disparities in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult (AYA)
oncology remain a significant challenge, with socioeconomic status,
geographic location, race, and ethnicity contributing to unequal access
to care and poorer outcomes. Emerging technologies, including artificial
intelligence (AI) and immersive tools such as virtual and augmented
reality (VR/AR), offer transformative solutions to address these
inequities. AI has demonstrated potential in enhancing diagnostic
accuracy, tailoring treatment plans, and providing personalized patient
navigation to guide families through complex care pathways. Immersive
technologies have shown promise in delivering equitable supportive care,
including VR-based psychological support, pain management, physical
rehabilitation, and patient education. This paper explores how
integrating AI and immersive technology tools into cancer care can
enhance quality of life, and bridge gaps in care delivery for pediatric
and AYA patients. Additionally, the increasing availability of
internet-enabled devices presents an unprecedented opportunity to
overcome traditional barriers to care in underserved populations. The
paper also addresses critical challenges, including the digital divide,
ethical considerations, and cost barriers, while proposing strategies
for equitable implementation. By leveraging these technologies,
healthcare providers can create more inclusive and effective treatment
environments, ensuring that the benefits of innovation reach all
patients, regardless of background or circumstance.