Cancer Survivorship: Treatment-Related Effects Part One

1. Overview of Cancer Treatment-Related Effects

Health care providers need to understand the definition of a treatment-related effect. These effects can be broken down according to temporal relationship to the treatment including acute, subacute/delayed, and late effects. Specific cancer treatment such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy present individualized side effect risk profiles. Understanding these concepts will assist in creating the most effective method of addressing the health issues of cancer survivors.

2. Addressing Fatigue in Cancer Survivors

Cancer-related fatigue is the most frequent treatment-related effect reported by cancer survivors. This symptom frequently persists after the completion of treatment and impacts overall quality of life. Fatigue in cancer patients is multifactorial, and comprehensive assessment is essential in development of a successful treatment plan. Symptoms most often respond to exercise, which is considered first-line treatment for this condition.

3. Addressing Psychosocial Distress in Cancer Survivors

Long-term assessment of psychosocial distress is a fundamental aspect of survivorship care. Depression and anxiety may decrease long-term survival and overall quality of life. Care centers now focus on the impact of mind-body interaction on treatment success. Practitioners are expected to conduct ongoing assessments for distress and psychosocial symptoms that may impede the treatment plan. Developing treatment resources and collaborative relationships is an important component in the care of these treatment-related effects.

4. Addressing Pain and Neuropathy in Cancer Survivors

Cancer rehabilitation plays a pivotal role in the treatment of cancer-related pain. Common causes of pain in cancer patients include musculoskeletal and neuropathic etiologies. Addressing and eliminating pain is the first step in correcting functional limitations found in this patient population. Neuropathy is a significant treatment effect that can worsen pain issues and create functional limitations. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and radiation-induced plexopathy are well-known syndromes that health care providers need to understand how to appropriately diagnose and treat when providing care to cancer survivors. Ongoing research shows that limited research supports pharmacologic agents; therefore, other modalities of treatment and addressing secondary consequences, such as gait issues are core concepts in improving an individual’s health. Pharmacologic treatment of pain and neuropathy has significant risks and limitations, so it is essential to determine non-pharmacologic interventions to restore the patient to a higher level of health.