Almost all effective medications have the potential to produce toxicity or side-effects. Anticancer chemotherapeutic agents are certainly very effective when one considers that they are called upon to achieve a task, once thought impossible, of eradicating cancer cells without producing lethal toxicity to the person receiving the treatment. However, patients who receive chemotherapy can experience toxicity symptoms but physical therapy can alleviate and treat a number of these symptoms both during active chemotherapy treatment and post-chemotherapy.
How does cancer treatment
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How does exercise help? |
| Increases in resting heart rate | Decreases resting heart rate |
| Decreases the quality of left ventricular heart contractions (Abnormal Contractility) | Strengthens myocardium increasing ventricular contractility |
| Decrease in cardiac output and volume of blood pumped = lower oxygen & nutrient delivery | Increases cardiac output and stroke volume (blood pumped) leading to increased oxygen & nutrient delivery |
How does cancer treatment
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How does exercise help? |
| Breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue | Increases protein synthesis to rebuild |
| Atrophy/Increased muscle weakness | Stimulates the release of hormones that increase muscle cell growth and development / increased strength |
How does cancer treatment
|
How does exercise help? |
| Slows motor function | Improves neurochemical availability at the cellular and tissue levels and Increases motor unit recruitment |
| Decreases coordination | Improves coordination |
How does cancer treatment
|
How does exercise help? |
| Decreases total lung capacity | Strengthens intercostal muscles optimizing lung capacity |
| Less intake of oxygen and lower removal of carbon dioxide | Improves ventilation and transport of air from the environment to the cellular level |
How does cancer treatment
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How does exercise help? |
| Loss of body fluids & electrolytes from diarrhea & vomiting | Increases uptake of nutrients |
| Loss of appetite | Improves appetite |
How does cancer treatment
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How does exercise help? |
| LInhibits bone marrow function lowering red blood cells (anemia) | Increases red blood cell production |
| Decreases hemoglobin making the heart work harder due to less volume | Increases blood volume and hemoglobin concentration |
information courtesy of the Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute
If Cancer Related Fatigue is defined as the combination of all physiological toxicities affecting the body and brain, then we know exercise is once of the key treatments for this debilitating condition. Recent research has shown astounding support for the role of exercise during and post cancer treatment. The results have been positive for the body as well as for the mind.
What are the symptoms of CIPN?
- Pain, initially noted in feet and hands (Burning / Tingling)
- Loss of feeling, initially noted in feet and hands
- Trouble using your fingers to pick up objects
- Balance problems
- Tripping or stumbling while walking
- More sensitive to heat/cold/touch or pressure
- Muscle weakness/loss of muscle girth
- Blood pressure changes
Common chemotherapy drugs that are associated with CIPN:
- Taxane Class (Taxol®, Taxotere®, Abraxane™)
- Vinca Alkaloid Class (Vincristine, Vinorelbine)
- Platinum Compounds (Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Oxaliplatin)
- Epothilones (Ixempra ®)
- Thalidomide, Ienalidomide, Pomalidomide
- Bortezomib, Carfilzomib
- Eribulin
What are the risks of CIPN?
Loss of balance that prevents return to normal activities
Falls which can lead to other injuries such as fracture or head injury
What can I do about CIPN?
You can either wait - chemo-related neuropathy will often resolve after treatment, but it does take time and, for some, it can be many months to years; OR Get started now with a Physical Therapy evaluation:
Loss of balance that prevents return to normal activities
Falls which can lead to other injuries such as fracture or head injury
What can I do about CIPN?
You can either wait - chemo-related neuropathy will often resolve after treatment, but it does take time and, for some, it can be many months to years; OR Get started now with a Physical Therapy evaluation:
- Assess your joint mobility in hands and feet
- Assess your balance and walking and offer strategies for improvement
- Provide home exercises to help with mobility and pain relief
- Provide neurological treatment in the clinic to promote stimulation of the nervous system
- Education on neuropathy and how to self-manage your pain