The role of physical rehabilitation in stem cell transplantation patients

Amir Steinberg, Arash Asher, Charlotte Bailey, Jack B. Fu

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    40 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    The purpose of this paper is to review the evidence for the role of physical rehabilitation in stem cell transplantation patients. We will also review the literature and discuss professional experiences on how rehabilitation can play a role in stem cell transplant care and survivorship. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is a procedure that has evolved substantially over the years to help treat multiple conditions, particularly hematologic malignancies. HCT can be very stressful on the body and can leave patients weakened and sometimes quite debilitated. Supportive care measures have advanced to improve the quality of life and overall survival of HCT survivors. One key component of improved supportive care is gaining increased attention, and that is physical medicine and rehabilitation. Its role in HCT survivorship care is expanding, and new insight and research within the discipline have focused on fatigue, inflammation, exercise, and the development of structured rehabilitation programs to improve the musculoskeletal sequelae of transplantation. This literature review has demonstrated the utility of physical rehabilitation in HCT, its impact on cancer-related fatigue, and to outline the current state of the literature on these topics. The paper delves into a background of HCT. Cancer-related fatigue in HCT is then discussed and summarized, and the role that exercise plays in modifying such fatigue is outlined. We then outline the models and the impact that physical rehabilitation may play in HCT recipients.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)2447-2460
    Number of pages14
    JournalSupportive Care in Cancer
    Volume23
    Issue number8
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Aug 29 2015

    Keywords

    • Cancer fatigue
    • Exercise
    • Rehabilitation program
    • Stem cell transplantation

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Oncology

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