Physiotherapy in the management of gynecological cancer patient: A systematic review

Abstract

Aim: to evaluate the effectiveness of physiotherapy as an adjunct treatment in patients with gynecological cancer.

Method: systematic review carried out in the PubMed, MEDLINE, via VHL, Cochrane and SciELO, in the last ten years. A search strategy was based on the PICO method and the PRISMA flowchart using Boolean descriptors and operators: "gynecological cancer or neoplasms of female genital organs" and "physiotherapy or physiotherapy modalities" and "rehabilitation or quality of life" in languages Portuguese, English, and Spanish.

Results: 405 articles were found, and after eligibility criteria, only 5 studies were selected for review. Evidence of a monitored physical exercise, photobiomodulation and pelvic floor rehabilitation program as physiotherapeutic resources in the management of gynecological cancer.

Conclusion: Physiotherapy dominates techniques and appears to be beneficial for the main complications arising from the treatment or post-treatment of gynecological cancer and has sought to accompany the knowledge and care of the patient, through scientific research.

Keywords: Genital neoplasms female; Gynecologic cancer; Physical therapy modalities; Physical therapy specialty; Quality of life; Rehabilitation.