"Techquity" in Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Oncology: Addressing Inequities Through Artificial Intelligence...

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.