Physiotherapy in Head, Neck, Lung and Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

Background: Cancer is a medical condition where some cells of the body reproduce uncontrollably and metastasize to other parts of the body. This study attempts to review the effect of physiotherapy application on head and neck, lung and breast cancer survivors on important clinical outcomes such as pain, strength, fatigability, coordination, balance, activities of daily living (ADLs), psychosocial aspects, cognitive aspects, and quality of life (QoL) Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Scientific articles were retrieved from electronic databases including Cochrane, Medline, EBSCO, Science Direct, Springer and Web of Science. Studies using only experimental design measuring the effectiveness of physiotherapy methods in head and neck, lung and breast cancer patients were selected for the review. Articles from 2012 till date were selected to find a piece of evidence for the latest physiotherapy practice in the last decade.

Results: 19 articles out of 9343 records were selected (Head & Neck HN = 3, Lung LU = 5, Breast BR = 11) which demonstrated that there was a significant effect of various physiotherapeutic techniques on the selected outcomes among patients with head and neck, lung and breast cancer.

Conclusion: In this review study, we conclude that head and neck cancer patients can benefit from physiotherapy exercises and muscle awareness. However, more evidence is needed to prescribe a specific exercise regimen. It was found that a combination of fitness training along with aerobic training has the maximum gain in advanced lung cancer patients. For breast cancer patients, combined aerobic and resistance training along with stretching and relaxation is the current suggested treatment.

Key words: "Upper Body Cancer", "Physiotherapy", "head and neck cancer", "lung cancer", and "breast cancer".