Massage therapy for cancer palliation and supportive care: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials

Ernst E.

INTRODUCTION: Massage is a popular adjunct to cancer palliation. This systematic review is aimed at critically evaluating all available randomised clinical trials of massage in cancer palliation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six databases were searched to identify all trials of classical massage for cancer patients. Studies of other types of massage, e.g. reflexology, aromatherapy, were excluded. Fourteen trials met all inclusion criteria.

DISCUSSION: Collectively, they suggest that massage can alleviate a wide range of symptoms: pain, nausea, anxiety, depression, anger, stress and fatigue. However, the methodological quality of the included studies was poor, a fact that prevents definitive conclusions.

CONCLUSION: The evidence is, therefore, encouraging but not compelling. The subject seems to warrant further investigations which avoid the limitations of previous studies.

Supportive Care in Cancer, Volume 17, Number 4 / April, 2009 – abstract

Filed under: Palliative care, Review, Therapies, Cancer palliation, Effectiveness, Massage, Systematic review

Massage therapy as a supportive care intervention for children with cancer

Hughes D; Ladas E; Rooney D; Kelly K

Abstract:

Purpose/Objectives: To review relevant literature about massage therapy to assess the feasibility of integrating the body-based complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practice as a supportive care intervention for children with cancer.More than 70 citations were reviewed. Data Synthesis: Massage therapy may help mitigate pain, anxiety, depression, constipation, and high blood pressure and may be beneficial during periods of profound immune suppression. Massage techniques light to medium in pressure are appropriate in the pediatric oncology setting.Conclusions: Massage is an applicable, noninvasive, therapeutic modality that can be integrated safely as an adjunct intervention for managing side effects and psychological conditions associated with anticancer treatment in children. Massage may support immune function during periods of immunosuppression.Implications for Nursing: Pediatric oncology nurses are vital in helping patients safely integrate CAM into conventional treatment. Pediatric oncology nurses can help maximize patient outcomes by assessing, advocating, and coordinating massage therapy services as a supportive care intervention.

Oncology Nursing Forum, 2008 May; 35(3): 431-42 (80 ref)

Member full text access

Filed under: Pediatrics, Review