[Perception of adverse reactions of chemotherapy and hormone therapy by women treated for breast cancer]

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Breast Cancer Patients: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the occurrence of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in acute phase (24 h after chemotherapy) and delayed phase (2–5 days after chemotherapy) after standard antiemetic therapy and to explore the risk factors of CINV in the acute and delayed phases.

Methods:

This prospective and observational study analyzed the data of 400 breast cancer patients scheduled for chemotherapy in two hospitals. The self-report survey was developed to assess the occurrence of CINV and their associated factors. On day 2 and day 6 of chemotherapy, CINV was evaluated by the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer Antiemetic Tool (MAT). The incidence of acute and delayed CINV was expressed as frequency and percentage.

Results:

Among 400 patients, 29.8% and 23.5% experienced acute and delayed CINV, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors associated with acute CINV included pain/insomnia, history of CINV, and highly emetogenic chemotherapy. The history of motion sickness (MS), history of CINV, number of chemotherapy cycles completed, and the incidence of acute CINV were significant risk factors for delayed CINV (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The results of this study are helpful for nurses to identify high-risk patients with CINV, formulate effective treatment plans, and reduce the incidence of CINV.

Physical activity and physiotherapy: perception of women breast cancer survivors

BACKGROUND

Physical activity levels seem to play an important role on musculoskeletal disorders in women diagnosed with breast cancer. However, the effects of physical activity after diagnosis are not fully understood. Our purpose was to understand the importance of physical activity and physiotherapy on musculoskeletal disorders as a sequela of treatment in breast cancer survivor women.

METHODS

For this cross-sectional study, a sample of 94 breast cancer survivor women fulfilled a self-completed questionnaire with questions on clinical and functional variables, and levels of physical activity before and after breast cancer diagnosis.

RESULTS

All 94 women, aged between 23 and 72 years, reported at least one or more post-cancer musculoskeletal disorders. More active women reported fewer changes than the less active women (p < 0.05). For the majority of women who underwent physiotherapy after breast cancer, this intervention was perceived as helpful in the treatment of post-cancer disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical activity habits and physiotherapy treatments contributed for the perception of lower number of musculoskeletal disorders. This practice should be advocated among women with breast cancer.