Current
research reports on massage and cancer are listed here, generally in reverse
order of appearance in the NIH PubMed database, ie the latest is on top.
This makes it easy to see "What's new?" (Please
send links to additional studies to
webmaster@s4om.org.)
Citations include publication year/number, type, title, source cited and often a brief quote or description. Your local librarian (medical or otherwise) can provide full text copies. (Other information resources are listed below.)
News Flash : Google offers a new search service, now in beta, which indexes all of the scientific journals. It offers 11,700 citations for massage + "cancer or oncology" between 1900 and 2008. It is a good place to begin more detailed work. Try it here. (Posted 10/08)
2008/09 Abstract:
Massage therapy versus simple touch to improve pain and mood in patients
with advanced cancer: a randomized trial. Kutner JS, et al. Ann Intern
Med. 2008 Sep 16;149(6):369-79. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of
massage for decreasing pain and symptom distress and improving quality of
life among persons with advanced cancer. PATIENTS: 380 adults with advanced
cancer who were experiencing moderate-to-severe pain; 90% were enrolled in
hospice. INTERVENTION: Six 30-minute massage or simple-touch sessions over 2
weeks. MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcomes were immediate (Memorial Pain
Assessment Card, 0- to 10-point scale) and sustained (Brief Pain Inventory
[BPI], 0- to 10-point scale) change in pain. Secondary outcomes were
immediate change in mood (Memorial Pain Assessment Card) and 60-second heart
and respiratory rates and sustained change in quality of life (McGill
Quality of Life Questionnaire, 0- to 10-point scale), symptom distress
(Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale, 0- to 4-point scale), and analgesic
medication use (parenteral morphine equivalents [mg/d]). Immediate outcomes
were obtained just before and after each treatment session. Sustained
outcomes were obtained at baseline and weekly for 3 weeks. CONCLUSION:
Massage may have immediately beneficial effects on pain and mood among
patients with advanced cancer. Given the lack of sustained effects and the
observed improvements in both study groups, the potential benefits of
attention and simple touch should also be considered in this patient
population.
2008/09 No Abstract Available:
Massage therapy to improve pain and mood in patients with advanced cancer.
Ann Intern Med. 2008 Sep 16;149(6):I38. No authors listed.
2008/06 Abstract:
A
novel clinical-trial design for the study of massage therapy. Patterson
M, Maurer S, Adler SR, Avins AL. Complement Ther Med. 2008 Jun;16(3):169-76.
OBJECTIVES: To develop and test the feasibility and acceptability of a
structured design for a massage therapy clinical trial that included a
treatment arm designed to control for the non-specific effects of a massage
therapy intervention. ...... CONCLUSIONS: The proposed design was found to
be relatively straightforward to implement and acceptable to participants.
Early disappointment with not receiving massage therapy expressed by the
light-touch intervention participants dissipated quickly. Twice-weekly
outpatient intervention appointments were found to be highly burdensome for
many patients actively undergoing chemotherapy, thus reducing adherence.
2008/08 Abstract:
Effects of aroma hand massage on pain, state anxiety and depression in
hospice patients with terminal cancer. Chang SY. Taehan
Kanho Hakhoe Chi. 2008 Aug;38(4):493-502. Korean. ..... Twenty eight
hospice patients with terminal cancer were assigned to the experimental
group (aroma hand massage), and 30 hospice patients with terminal cancer
were assigned to the control group (general oil hand massage). As for the
experimental treatment, the experimental group went through aroma hand
massage on each hand for 5 min for 7 days with blended oil-a mixture of
Bergamot, Lavender, and Frankincense in the ratio of 1:1:1, which was
diluted 1.5% with sweet almond carrier oil 50 ml. The control group went
through general oil hand massage by only sweet almond carrier oil-on each
hand for 5 min for 7 days. RESULTS: The aroma hand massage experimental
group showed more significant differences in the changes of pain score
(t=-3.52, p=.001) and depression (t=-8.99, p=.000) than the control group.
CONCLUSION: Aroma hand massage had a positive effect on pain and depression
in hospice patients with terminal cancer.
2008/08 Abstract:
Massage for symptom relief in patients with cancer: systematic review. Wilkinson
S, Barnes K, Storey L. J Adv Nurs. 2008 Sep;63(5):430-9. AIM: This
paper is a report of a review to assess evidence of the effectiveness of
massage for patients with cancer, in terms of reducing physical or
psychological symptoms, improving quality of life, or producing unwanted
side effects. .... An initial comprehensive search of electronic databases
search was carried out in 2003 and updated in 2006. Eligible trials were
randomized controlled trials, controlled before-and-after (pre-post) studies
and interrupted time-series studies. Participants were adults with a
diagnosis of cancer and receiving care in any healthcare setting.
Interventions were limited to massage and/or aromatherapy massage carried
out by a qualified therapist. Outcome measures to be included were
patient-reported levels of physical and psychological indices of symptom
distress and quality of life (measured using validated assessment tools).
FINDINGS: In the review, 1325 papers were considered. Ten trials met the
inclusion criteria and their results suggest that massage might reduce
anxiety in patients with cancer in the short term and may have a beneficial
effect on physical symptoms of cancer, such as pain and nausea. However, the
lack of rigorous research evidence precludes drawing definitive conclusions.
CONCLUSION: Further well-designed large trials with longer follow-up periods
are needed to be able to draw firm conclusions about the efficacy and
effectiveness of massage for cancer patients.
2008/08 Abstract:
The
value of massage therapy in cancer care. Myers CD, Walton T, Small BJ.
Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2008 Aug;22(4):649-60. Massage therapy is
increasingly available as a supportive therapy to patients in medical
centers providing cancer treatment. This article provides an overview of the
evidence base relevant to the use of massage with the intended goal of
alleviating symptoms and side effects experienced by cancer patients.
Collectively, the available data support the view that massage, modified
appropriately, offers potential beneficial effects for cancer patients in
terms of reducing anxiety and pain and other symptoms. Replication of
preliminary studies with larger, more homogeneous patient samples and
rigorous study designs will help to clarify which massage modalities have
the most potential benefit for which patients before, during, and after
specific types of cancer treatment.
2008/05 Abstract: Massage therapy as a supportive care intervention for children with cancer. Hughes D, Ladas E, Rooney D, Kelly K. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2008 May;35(3):431-42. .... More than 70 citations were reviewed. .... Massage therapy may help mitigate pain, anxiety, depression, constipation, and high blood pressure and may be beneficial during periods of profound immune suppression. Massage techniques light to medium in pressure are appropriate in the pediatric oncology setting. CONCLUSIONS: Massage is an applicable, noninvasive, therapeutic modality that can be integrated safely as an adjunct intervention for managing side effects and psychological conditions associated with anticancer treatment in children. Massage may support immune function during periods of immunosuppression.
2008/05 Abstract: Chair massage for patients and carers: a pilot service in an outpatient setting of a cancer care hospital. Mackereth P, Campbell G, Maycock P, Hennings J, Breckons M. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2008 May;14(2):136-42. PURPOSE: To gather patient and carer evaluations of a 20 min chair massage treatment provided one afternoon a week in an outpatient waiting area. METHOD: Information gathered over a year included documented evaluation of chair massage, pre- and post-treatment well-being scores (visual analogue scale). RESULTS: Both patients (n=224) and carers (n=185) positively evaluated the treatment. Key benefits reported included: relaxation, comfort, time out/treat, distraction, and relief of anxiety. There were significant changes in self-reported well-being score (p=<0.001), but no significant changes between scores for males and females. The changes in well-being scores on occasions (n=3) did not match the positive feedback. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the service was appreciated by patients and carers. The project was continued for a further year with internal funding. Further research is warranted to ascertain the added and longer-term value of this intervention.
2008/03 Abstract: Role of massage therapy in cancer care. Russell NC, Sumler SS, Beinhorn CM, Frenkel MA. J Altern Complement Med. 2008 Mar;14(2):209-14. The care of patients with cancer not only involves dealing with its symptoms but also with complicated information and uncertainty; isolation; and fear of disease progression, disease recurrence, and death. Patients whose treatments require them to go without human contact can find a lack of touch to be an especially distressing factor. Massage therapy is often used to address these patients' need for human contact, and findings support the positive value of massage in cancer care. Several reviews of the scientific literature have attributed numerous positive effects to massage, including improvements in the quality of patients' relaxation, sleep, and immune system responses and in the relief of their fatigue, pain, anxiety, and nausea. On the basis of these reviews, some large cancer centers in the United States have started to integrate massage therapy into conventional settings. In this paper, we recognize the importance of touch, review findings regarding massage for cancer patients, describe the massage therapy program in one of these centers, and outline future challenges and implications for the effective integration of massage therapy in large and small cancer centers.
2008/04 Abstract: Integrative oncology: complementary therapies for cancer survivors. Wesa K, Gubili J, Cassileth B. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2008 Apr;22(2):343-53, viii. "Cancer survivors experience a wide range of symptoms during and following completion of treatment, and some of these symptoms may persist for years or even decades. While pharmacologic treatments relieve many symptoms, they too may produce difficult side effects. Complementary therapies are noninvasive, inexpensive, and useful in controlling symptoms and improving quality of life, and they may be accessed by patients themselves. Rigorous scientific research has produced evidence that acupuncture, massage therapy, music, and mind-body therapies effectively and safely reduce physical and emotional symptoms. These therapies provide a favorable risk-benefit ratio and permit cancer survivors to help manage their own care."
2008/06 Abstract: Basic Introduction to Research: How Not to Do Research. Vickers AJ. J Soc Integr Oncol. 2008 Spring;6(2):82-5. "In this didactic article, I review some prevalent “myths” about clinical research: anyone can do research; you can learn how to do research from a book or journal articles; all you need to do statistics is the right software (although Excel will also do); you can do good-quality research at your kitchen sink; and what is important is that you did your best. These myths appear to be particularly prevalent in the complementary and alternative medicine communities. They are based on a clear double standard: most clinicians would express shock and horror at the very thought that someone without appropriate clinical training and qualifications might treat a patient; meanwhile, many clinicians do research with no research qualifications whatsoever. But clinical research can guide clinical decisions that affect the health and well-being of millions of people: it is therefore arguable that poorly conducted research is potentially far more harmful than poor medical practice. As such, it is doubly important that clinical research is conducted by those with appropriate training, statistical help, and institutional support."
2008/05 Abstract: A Hospital-based Intervention Using Massage to Reduce Distress Among Oncology Patients. Currin, J, Meister EA. Cancer Nursing. 31(3):214-221, May/June 2008. "The objective of this study was to assess the impact of a Swedish massage intervention on oncology patients' perceived level of distress. Each patient's distress level was measured using 4 distinct dimensions: pain, physical discomfort, emotional discomfort, and fatigue. A total of 251 oncology patients volunteered to participate in this nonrandomized single-group pre- and post design study for over a 3-year period at a university hospital setting in southeastern Georgia. The analysis found a statistically significant reduction in patient-reported distress for all 4 measures: pain (F = 638.208, P = .000), physical discomfort (F = 742.575, P = .000), emotional discomfort (F = 512.000, P = .000), and fatigue (F = 597.976, P = .000). This reduction in patient distress was observed regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, or cancer type. These results lend support for the inclusion of a complementary massage therapy program for hospitalized oncology patients as a means of enhancing their course of treatment.
2008/01 Abstract: The effectiveness of the Training and Support Program for parents of children with disabilities: a randomized controlled trial. J Psychosom Res. 2008 Jan;64(1):55-62. "The Training and Support Program (TSP) was designed to equip parents of children with disabilities with a simple massage skill for use with their children in the home environment. .... The TSP is an effective means of improving PSE and depressed mood. Additional means of supporting parents need to be investigated."
2008/05 Abstract: Auton Neurosci. 2008 May 10. The effect of massage on cellular immunity, endocrine and psychological factors in women with breast cancer - A randomized controlled clinical trial. "Significant effect of effleurage massage on cellular immunity, cortisol, oxytocin, anxiety, depression or quality of life could not be demonstrated in this study. Several possible explanations to the results of this study are discussed."
2008/05 Abstract: Massage Therapy as a Supportive Care Intervention for Children With Cancer. Oncology Nursing Forum. 2008 May; 35(3): 431-442. "Massage is an applicable, noninvasive, therapeutic modality that can be integrated safely as an adjunct intervention for managing side effects and psychological conditions associated with anticancer treatment in children. Massage may support immune function during periods of immunosuppression."
2008/02 Abstract: Massage modalities and symptoms reported by cancer patients: narrative review. J Soc Integr Oncol. 2008 Winter;6(1):19-28. "The results of several studies on the use of massage therapies for cancer patients have been published in the peer-reviewed literature over the past 20 years. The current article provides a summary and critique .... The most consistent symptom reduction was anxiety reduction. Additional well-designed studies are needed. Several recommendations are offered for future studies."
2008/03 Abstract:
Role
of massage therapy in cancer care. J Altern Complement Med. 2008 Mar 3.
"In this paper, we recognize the importance of touch, review findings
regarding massage for cancer patients, describe the massage therapy program in
one of these centers, and outline future challenges and implications for the
effective integration of massage therapy in large and small cancer centers."
2007/08 Abstract:
Evaluation of anxiety, salivary cortisol and melatonin secretion following
reflexology treatment: a pilot study in healthy individuals. Complement
Ther Clin Pract. 2007 Aug;13(3):137-45. "Reflexology reduced 'state'
anxiety and cardiovascular activity within healthy individuals, consistent
with stress-reduction. These findings will be transferred to a study involving
breast cancer patients ..."
2007/11 Abstract: The complexities of managing breast oedema. Br J Community Nurs. 2007 Nov;12(11):513-7. "This article looks at the problems surrounding breast oedema ... the psychological impact, the distress that it causes, and the absolute need for appropriate referral to a specialist centre when it is diagnosed."
2008/02 Abstract: A randomized, prospective study using the LPG((R)) technique in treating radiation-induced skin fibrosis: clinical and profilometric analysis. Skin Res Technol. 2008 Feb;14(1):71-6 "The LPG((R)) technique is a technique of mechanical massage that allows skin mobilization by folding/unfolding .... Results: Clinically, the LPG treatment induced a decrease of erythema (10% of the patients vs. 40% before treatment), a decrease of pain and pruritus (10% vs. 20% and 40%, respectively) and a decrease of the feeling of induration of the skin (10% of the patients vs. 70% before treatment). Furthermore, a skin-softening sensation was noted by seven patients vs. one in the control group."
2008/01 Clinical Trial Announcement: Massage for the treatment of pain in cancer - A phase II study at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. MSKCC Announcement. "Massage therapy is increasingly used in cancer care to help with problems such as stress and anxiety. Recent evidence suggests that massage therapy may also reduce pain. Investigators at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center are conducting a study to determine the effects of massage therapies on pain in cancer patients."
2007/13 Abstract:
Massage relieves nausea in women with breast cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy. J Altern Complement Med. 2007; 13(1):53-7. "This study
complements previous studies on the effect of massage and supports the
conclusion that massage reduces nausea in these patients."
2007/12 Abstract:
Acute
postoperative pain management using massage as an adjuvant therapy
-
A Randomized Trial Archives of Surgery,
2007;142(12):1158-1167. "Conclusion - Massage is an effective and safe
adjuvant therapy for the relief of acute postoperative pain in patients
undergoing major operations."
Invited
Critique
2007/12 News: Post-Op Rx: Get a Massage, TIME Magazine, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007 "If you know someone who's getting ready to go into surgery, consider holding off on the get-well-soon balloons, and start looking for a good massage therapist instead. A new study published in the December issue of the American Medical Association's Archives of Surgery found that massage, in conjunction with regular pain medication, significantly improved patient pain and anxiety after major surgery...."
2007/11 News: New ACCP Cancer Care Guidelines Include CAM The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2007, 13(9): 1049-1049. "Massage therapy is recommended for patients suffering from anxiety or pain."
2007/10 Abstract: Lymphedema: a comprehensive review. Ann Plast Surg. 2007 Oct;59(4):464-72. "Initial treatment with decongestive lymphatic therapy can provide significant improvement in patient symptoms and volume reduction of edematous extremities. Selected patients who are unresponsive to conservative therapy can achieve similar outcomes with surgical intervention, most promisingly suction-assisted lipectomy.
2007/10 News: Complementary Therapies Help Patients Recover After Heart Surgery Mayo Clinic News, October 31, 2007 "A new Mayo Clinic study shows that massage therapy decreases pain levels for patients after heart surgery."
2007/09 Book Review: Medicine Hands: Massage Therapy for People with Cancer by Gayle MacDonald. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2007, 13(9): 1047-1048.
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