Cancer rehabilitation and palliative care--two important parts of comprehensive cancer care

Exercise Cardio-Oncology: Exercise as a Potential Therapeutic Modality in the Management of Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity

Anthracyclines are one of the most effective chemotherapy agents and have revolutionized cancer therapy. However, anthracyclines can induce cardiac injuries through ‘multiple-hits', a series of cardiovascular insults coupled with lifestyle risk factors, which increase the risk of developing short- and long-term cardiac dysfunction and cardiovascular disease that potentially lead to premature mortality following cancer remission. Therefore, the management of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is a serious unmet clinical need. Exercise therapy, as a non-pharmacological intervention, stimulates numerous biochemical and physiologic adaptations, including cardioprotective effects, through the cardiovascular system and cardiac muscles, where exercise has been proposed to be an effective clinical approach that can protect or reverse the cardiotoxicity from anthracyclines. Many preclinical and clinical trials demonstrate the potential impacts of exercise on cardiotoxicity; however, the underlying mechanisms as well as how to implement exercise in clinical settings to improve or protect against long-term cardiovascular disease outcomes are not clearly defined. In this review, we summarize the current evidence in the field of “exercise cardio-oncology” and emphasize the utilization of exercise to prevent and manage anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicities across high-risk and vulnerable populations diagnosed with cancer.

Synergy Between Licensed Rehabilitation Professionals and Clinical Exercise Physiologists: Optimizing Patient Care for Cancer Rehabilitation

OBJECTIVES

To differentiate between rehabilitation and exercise training and propose how rehabilitation professionals and exercise physiologists can collaborate to optimize cancer survivor care.

DATA SOURCE

Professional organizations and peer-reviewed manuscripts.

CONCLUSION

Both professions offer complementary skillsets that, when integrated, optimize the ability of the cancer care team to implement more effective survivorship care plans. Future models of care must incorporate efficient communications between the cancer rehabilitation program and oncology team, include various reimbursement/payment/funding options, and continuously assess program efficacy.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Nurses must be cognizant of physical needs (ie, functional and conditioning status) and cancer-related comorbidities when referring cancer survivors for exercise reconditioning.

Relevant parameters for recommendations of physical activity in patients suffering from multiple myeloma : A pilot study

Purpose

This pilot study aimed to describe physical performance, self-reported physical activity, health-related quality of life, anxiety and depression in patients who were assigned from Austrian self-help groups for multiple myeloma patients. These parameters were then discussed in the context of clinical decision-making concerning the recommended type of regular physical activity and exercise.

Methods

Members of the self-help groups were invited to participate. Physical performance and physical activity were assessed with the 6 min walk test (6MWT), handgrip strength test, timed up and go test (TUG), Tinetti performance oriented mobility assessment (POMA), falls efficacy scale (FES), international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ), health-related quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS).

Results

A total of 40 patients (female:male = 15:25, mean age: 63.8 ± 9.0 years, range 41–80 years) were identified. In total 20 (50%) reached the performance of healthy peers in the tests 6MWT, handgrip strength, TUG and POMA, while 50% showed at least 1 result below the reference value or cut-off-point for each test. Self-reported activity levels were high. Patients showed a tendency to overestimate the risk of falling but a case by case analysis revealed a tendency for underestimating the actual performance in the respective tests (TUG, POMA).

Conclusion

The performance of healthy peers was reached by a substantial number of the participants in tests of physical performance and they reported high levels of physical activity. Nevertheless, they tended to overestimate the specific risk of falling. Patients with notably impaired physical performance might be suitable to perform regular physical activity and exercise in an individual therapy, whereas those with good physical performance are suited for training in exercise groups; however, individual contraindications and clinical considerations should be noted in a multiprofessional and interdisciplinary setting.

Typical aspects in the rehabilitation of cancer patients suffering from metastatic bone disease or multiple myeloma

Background

The aim of this study was to present a practical concept focusing on typical aspects of regular physical activity, exercise and physical modalities for patients suffering from metastatic bone disease or multiple myeloma.

Methods

A narrative review of the relevant scientific literature and presentation of clinical experiences.

Results

In cancer patients with metastatic bone disease or multiple myeloma, pain is treated in an interdisciplinary and multimodal setting by using medication, radiotherapy and physical medical modalities (e.g. transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation); however, modalities increasing local blood flow, such as ultrasound therapy, thermotherapy, massage, various electrotherapy options, are not performed at the site of the tumor. For physical activity and exercise, a suitable indication of the static and dynamic capacity of the affected skeletal structures is essential. This process includes strategies to maintain and improve mobility and independence. Individually tailored and adapted physical activity and exercise concepts (programs) within a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary setting (tumor board) are used to manage the condition and bone load-bearing capacity of the patient. Typical clinical features and complications, such as pathological fractures in patients suffering from metastatic bone disease and additionally hypercalcemia, monoclonal gammopathy with bone marrow aplasia and risk of renal failure in patients with multiple myeloma have to be considered when planning supportive strategies and rehabilitation.

Conclusion

In order to ensure the safety and effectiveness of regular physical activity, exercise, and physical modalities in patients with metastatic bone disease or multiple myeloma, typical contraindications and considerations should be noted.

Role of physical medicine for cancer rehabilitation and return to work under the premise of the "Wiedereingliederungsteilzeitgesetz"

Background

With the intention of enabling people a phased return to work after long-term sick leave the so-called “Wiedereingliederungsteilzeitgesetz” (WIETZ) was implemented in Austria on 1 July 2017.

Methods

To explore the overall awareness about the WIETZ and the value of physical modalities together with further supporting measures in return to work of cancer survivors, a survey by using a self-constructed questionnaire was performed in 30 experts 6 months after the WIETZ came into force.

Results

The awareness of Austrian specialists regarding the WIETZ seems to be excellent. Regarding expert opinions, return to work in cancer survivors is notable hampered in workplaces with great physical stress even in times of the WIETZ, whereas for professions in offices and banks it is easier to return to work, with and without WIETZ. The highest impact on return to work seems to be due to exercise, as an intervention of the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation to improve sensorimotor functions and to increase endurance capacity as well as muscular strength.

Conclusion

Early information about cancer rehabilitation and the WIETZ seems to be necessary to facilitate return to work of cancer survivors. Furthermore, exercise interventions seem to be the most important measures from the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

First exercise group for Turkish breast cancer patients in Vienna - a pilot project to include Turkish migrants

Background: The aim of this pilot study was to describe the acceptance and feasibility of an exercise intervention in breast cancer patients of Turkish origin in Austria by using a hand-held swinging-ring system.Methods: The inclusion period lasted 1 year (1 February 2016-31 January 2017). In a multicentre cooperation, Turkish female breast cancer patients were included by using face-to-face information, email, facebook^®, phone, and notice boards. The exercise program consisted of 1) supervised and 2) home-based exercise by using the smovey^® vibroswing system. Feasibility and acceptance were assessed by using the Austrian school grading system and a qualitative approach after 3 months. Furthermore, the six-minute walk test (6MWT), handgrip strength, body composition (BIA), and health-related quality of life (QOL) were assessed at baseline (T0) and after 3 months (T1).Results: Only 5 breast cancer patients could be included, from whom one dropped out due to breast cancer recurrence. The exercise intervention showed no side effects and was well accepted by all 4 patients. Furthermore, results of the 6MWT, handgrip strength, BIA, and QOL improved.Conclusion: These results indicate notable barriers towards regular physical activity in female Turkish breast cancer patients in Austria. Four out of five of those involved were comfortable with the intervention. Therefore, it seems to be essential to further address these barriers in order to plan and implement effective interventions.Implications for RehabilitationExercise is an effective means of improving health and quality of life experienced by female patients suffering from breast cancer.Although extensive efforts were taken only a minority of Turkish female patients attended a structured exercise program.It seems to be essential to further address barriers to exercise in order to plan and implement effective interventions.

Impact of supportive therapy modalities on heart rate variability in cancer patients - a systematic review

Purpose: To systematically review literature for interventional studies and their impact on autonomic dysfunction assessed by heart rate variability in cancer patients.Methods: Research was conducted using the databases Medline/Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of science from their inception to October 2017. Original articles with an interventional design that reported changes in at least one heart rate variability parameter as outcome parameter were included and described.Results: Ten studies were identified as eligible for subsequent analysis. The main application field in oncological therapy setting was music therapy intervention, Traditional Chinese Medicine related treatments, exercise interventions, relaxation, and myofascial release techniques. Breast cancer was the most frequently described single cancer entity. Heart rate variability recording was performed with standard electrocardiography devices or wearable heart rate monitors, within a time range between 5 and 20 min and a sampling rate varying from 200 to 1000 Hz. No adverse events were reported in all studies.Conclusions: Supportive therapy modalities may have the potential to enhance vegetative functioning. In this context, heart rate variability analysis appears to be an easily applicable and safe method to evaluate cancer related autonomic dysfunction. More large prospective multicentre randomised controlled trials are needed.Implication for rehabilitationMost cancer patients face autonomic dysfunction due to the disease itself the applied treatments or combination of both.HRV measurement is an easy and safe method to asses autonomic dysfunction.Supportive treatments targeting on an elevation of the vagal tone and autonomic balance in general might have beneficial effects for cancer patients.

Cancer rehabilitation: current trends and practices within an Austrian University Hospital Center

Background: Cancer rehabilitation has the goal to improve functional status, quality of life, participation, and can improve quality of patient-centered programs and health care efficiencies. In Austria, inpatient cancer rehabilitation is well established but outpatient rehabilitation has not yet established well.Methods: The present article is describing current rehabilitation in practice and focuses on cancer rehabilitation in Austria, namely bringing together a descriptive account of current trends and practices within an Austrian University Hospital Center (General Hospital of Vienna linked to the Medical University of Vienna) and the Comprehensive Cancer Centre (CCC) Vienna, Austria.Results: Cancer Rehabilitation in the described Austrian University Hospital Center is well developed due to the help of all different clinics dealing with cancer patients and of the opinion leaders of the CCC Vienna. The Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Occupational Medicine of the Medical University of Vienna as a part of the CCC Vienna with his "Pioneer-Status" and the described milestones has been integrated in the national cancer rehabilitation concept of our country from the beginning.Conclusions: Also in Austria, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with competencies in diagnostic and therapy as well as of coordination of the multiprofessional and interdisciplinary rehabilitation teams is an important part of cancer rehabilitation.Implications for rehabilitationCancer rehabilitation is an important part in the treatment and care of cancer patients with the goal to improve functional status, quality of life, and participationCancer rehabilitation helps cancer survivors to be integrated in their normal live, namely to increase social participation and/or workabilityThe field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with competencies in diagnostic and therapy as well as of coordination of the multi-professional and interdisciplinary rehabilitation teams is an important part of cancer rehabilitationInterventions and treatment approaches from the field of Physical Medicine and rehabilitation include the application of Physical Modalities like electrotherapy, thermotherapy, balneology and climatic therapy, phototherapy, and mechanotherapy Cancer rehabilitation has to be early integrated into the cancer care continuum.

Cancer rehabilitation in Austria--aspects of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

In Austria, cancer rehabilitation is an important issue in the management of cancer patients. Survival rates and survival time of cancer patients are increasing, and cancer rehabilitation is an important part in the treatment and care of cancer patients with the goal to improve functional status, quality of life, and (social) participation. Today, in Austria there are approximately 600 beds for inpatient rehabilitation. The field of outpatient rehabilitation will maybe be expanded after evaluating the existing pilot projects. Beside other specialities, the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) plays an important role in cancer rehabilitation. In cancer rehabilitation, especially activating modalities from PM&R such as exercise are very important and well-accepted parts to improve functional status, quality of life, and participation of patients.