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Supportive Care in Cancer

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01-04-2009 | Review Article

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

Author: E. Ernst

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 4/2009

Abstract

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.

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Title: Massage therapy for cancer palliation and supportive care: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials
Author: E. Ernst
Publication date: 01-04-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 4/2009
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-008-0569-z

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Abstract

Introduction

Materials and methods

Discussion

Conclusion

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