Dizziness and impaired postural balance in older patients receiving chemotherapy treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction

Dizziness and balance impairments are underexplored symptoms in older adults with cancer. Age-related factors, comorbidities, and chemotherapy may contribute to its prevalence and severity, potentially affecting quality of life, increasing fall risk, and delaying treatment. Data on the incidence and prevalence of these symptoms are limited. This systematic review aimed to summarize the evidence and estimate the incidence and prevalence of dizziness or vertigo and impaired postural balance in patients with cancer ≥65 years receiving chemotherapy.

Materials and Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and CINAHL in May 2025 without date or language restrictions. Cross sectional studies, cohort studies, randomized controlled trials, and mixed method studies investigating incidence and/or prevalence of dizziness or vertigo and impaired postural balance were included. Random-effects meta-analysis, employing the inverse-variance method, was applied. Certainty of evidence was rated by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Results

From 15,614 title/abstracts screened, 14 studies (1259 participants) were included. Incidence could not be evaluated. Studies reporting prevalence across multiple chemotherapy regimens contributed separate estimates for each regimen. Meta-analysis included 25 prevalence estimates for dizziness and three for impaired postural balance. The pooled prevalence of dizziness was 15 % (95 % CI:10 %–22 %). Assessor-reported prevalence using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) was 11 % (95 % CI: 8 %–16 %), while patient-reported prevalence rate using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-CIPN20), or a self-constructed questionnaire was 35 % (95 % CI: 20 %–53 %). Most studies demonstrated a high risk of bias, and certainty of evidence was very low due to unstructured assessor-reported measurement methods. Impaired postural balance prevalence from one study was 48 % (95 % CI: 39 %–57 %) with low certainty of evidence. Prevalence of dizziness and impaired postural balance did not differ significantly across chemotherapy regimens.

Discussion

Prevalence of dizziness and impaired postural balance in older patients receiving chemotherapy varied substantially depending on the measurement method, with higher rates in patient-reported outcomes. Certainty of evidence was low primarily due to limitations in outcome measures. Future studies should incorporate patient-reported outcome measures and a systematic objective baseline assessment for a comprehensive evaluation of these symptoms.

Trial registration: PROSPERO CRD42024585974.