Physical decline and its implications in the management of oesophageal and gastric cancer: a systematic review

ConclusionsChemotherapy, chemoradiation and surgery lead to reduced physical function in patients with oesophageal and gastric cancer. High quality evidence is lacking to prove the benefit of interventions that improve physical function through the treatment pathway and in recovery, and well-designed studies are required. This review was limited due to the heterogeneity of the literature, high risk of bias in some articles and the lack of high quality research encompassing sufficient time points in the patient journey.Implications for Cancer SurvivorsCurative treatment for oesophago-gastric cancer can negatively impact on physical function. Rehabilitation programmes have considerable potential to enhance physical function across the oesophago-gastric cancer journey.
Source: Journal of Cancer Survivorship - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research