Lopez, G., Liu, W., Milbury, K., Spelman, A., Wei, Q., Bruera, E., & Cohen, L. (2017). The effects of oncology massage on symptom self-report for cancer patients and their caregivers. Supportive Care in Cancer, 25, 3645–3650.
To examine the effect of a massage session on physical, psychological, and global distress among cancer patients and their caregivers
Conventional Swedish massage with unscented hypoallergenic lotion and adjusted for location and pressure based the caregivers feedback to the therapist. The session lasted either 30 or 60 minutes based on caregivers choice. A 60-minute session was recommended for the first session. Music and/or a bolstering pillow could be used based on preference. The majority of caregivers received a 60-minute massage (81.6%).
PHASE OF CARE: Not specified in the report
Pre-/post design. Patients and caregivers.
Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS)
Massage therapy significantly decreased caregivers symptoms of pain, fatigue, sleep, depression, anxiety, drowsiness, appetite, and spiritual pain. The reduction was considered clinically significant (reduction greater than 1) for pain, fatigue, anxiety, well-being, and sleep and for all ESAS subscales (global distress, physical distress, and psychological distress). The duration of massage did not make a significant difference (30 versus 60 minutes) on reduction in symptom burden.
Massage offers as much benefit to caregivers as to patients. The largest improvement for caregivers was in their anxiety, pain, and fatigue. A 30-minute massage seems to be as effective as a 60-minute massage.
Offer massage to patients and their caregivers. Massage seems to improve symptom control (immediate effect). Additional study the accumulative effects of massage on caregivers and identify the "right" frequency and dose. Larger randomized controlled trials would provide additional assessment of the intervention.