Efficacy of Web‐Based Interventions in Psychological Distress Among Patients With Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

ABSTRACT Objective This meta‐analysis systematically evaluated the efficacy of web‐based interventions in reducing psychological distress in patients with cancer. Methods We conducted a comprehensive literature search of five major databases—PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library—through April 05, 2025. Following the PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, we identified randomized controlled trials comparing web‐based interventions to control conditions. We extracted standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to quantify the effect sizes. Between‐study heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2 statistic, and predefined subgroup analyses were used to explore potential moderators. Two independent reviewers appraised the methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool, and the overall certainty of evidence was graded using the GRADE framework. Results Twenty RCTs, including 2470 participants, met the inclusion criteria. Pooled analysis showed that web‐based interventions significantly reduced psychological distress compared to controls (SMD = −0.37, 95% CI: −0.55, −0.18), with substantial heterogeneity ( I 2 = 73.2%; p < 0.001). Studies assessing psychosocial distress as a primary outcome showed larger effects, contributing to heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses indicated that therapist‐guided interventions produced greater reductions in psychosocial distress than self‐guided approaches. Conclusions Web‐based interventions provide a modest but significant benefit in alleviating psychological distress among patients with cancer, with greater efficacy when therapist support is included. Despite the substantial heterogeneity across trials, these findings underscore the scalability and accessibility of online mental health tools for oncology care. Future research should address optimal intervention components and delivery strategies to maximize clinical impact.