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Lifestyle and integrative oncology interventions for cancer-related fatigue and sleep disturbances.

Maturitas
September 1, 2024
Carolyn Ee et al. (6 authors)
Journal ArticleReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of massage therapy for alleviating cancer-related fatigue and sleep disturbances in cancer survivors.

Results Summary

The study found that massage therapy can be recommended for cancer-related fatigue, though evidence for its effects on sleep disturbances in cancer survivors is mixed.

Population

Cancer survivors experiencing fatigue, insomnia, or sleep disturbances.

Effective Dosage

Not available

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (12)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
aerobic and strength exercise
decrease
cancer-related fatigue
cancer survivors
-
strong evidence in support
#1
Yoga
decrease
cancer-related fatigue
cancer survivors
-
can be recommended
#2
massage therapy
decrease
cancer-related fatigue
cancer survivors
-
can be recommended
#3
acupuncture
decrease
cancer-related fatigue
cancer survivors
-
can be recommended
#4
Tai Chi and qigong
decrease
cancer-related fatigue
cancer survivors
-
can be recommended
#5
yoga
no change
sleep disturbances
cancer survivors
-
evidence is mixed
#6
acupuncture
no change
sleep disturbances
cancer survivors
-
evidence is mixed
#7
massage therapy
no change
sleep disturbances
cancer survivors
-
evidence is mixed
#8
exercise
decrease
sleep disturbances
cancer survivors
-
appears to have a modest favourable effect
#9
nutrient supplements or dietary interventions
no change
cancer-related fatigue
cancer survivors
-
insufficient evidence
#10
nutrient supplements or dietary interventions
no change
insomnia and other sleep disturbances
cancer survivors
-
insufficient evidence
#11
integrative oncology and lifestyle interventions
decrease
symptoms such as pain and menopausal symptoms
cancer survivors
-
have potential to effect multiple other benefits
#12
Abstract

Fatigue, insomnia and sleep disturbances are common after cancer diagnosis, and have a negative impact on quality of life and function. This narrative review synthesised evidence on lifestyle and integrative oncology interventions for cancer-related fatigue, insomnia and sleep disturbances in cancer survivors. There is strong evidence in support of aerobic and strength exercise for the relief of cancer-related fatigue. Yoga, massage therapy, acupuncture, Tai Chi and qigong can also be recommended for cancer-related fatigue. The evidence on yoga, acupuncture and massage therapy for sleep disturbances in cancer is mixed, while exercise appears to have a modest favourable effect. There is insufficient evidence on nutrient supplements or dietary interventions for cancer-related fatigue or insomnia and other sleep disturbances after cancer. Beyond alleviating cancer-related fatigue and insomnia-related symptoms, integrative oncology and lifestyle interventions have potential to effect multiple other benefits, such as improvement in symptoms such as pain and menopausal symptoms. There is a need for well-designed randomised controlled trials of interventions, particularly in the areas of diet and nutrient supplements, and for implementation studies of interventions already supported by evidence.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
HumansFatigueNeoplasmsIntegrative OncologyLife StyleSleep Wake DisordersExerciseCancer SurvivorsQuality of LifeSleep Initiation and Maintenance DisordersMassageYogaAcupuncture TherapyDietary SupplementsQigongTai Ji
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy70/10
Quality80/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations4
Citations/Year4.0
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.50
Weight Score2.82
Normalized Score0.64
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