Functional effects of chemotherapy in patients with gynecological cancer

Abstract

Background: The pelvic floor is responsible for urinary, sexual and anorectal functions, but its soft tissues are negatively impacted by radiotherapy and surgery for gynecological cancers. It is not clear, however, whether chemotherapy alone is responsible for sequelae on the pelvic floor. Aims: To discuss the kineciologic-functional effects of chemotherapy in the treatment of gynecological cancers. Method: electronic review using the terms chemotherapy, women, genital, physiotherapy and their variants in portuguese, including studies that address the functional effects of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery for gynecological cancers. Results: Six studies were considered eligible. The most prevalent dysfunctions were urinary incontinence, chronic pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse and sexual dysfunctions, especially vaginal lubrication. All three treatments for cancer were responsible for functional sequelae. Conclusion: Not only radiotherapy and surgery, but chemotherapy, even when isolated, is likely to cause kinesiological-functional sequelae on the female pelvis, and for these, pelvic physiotherapy should be the first option of treatment.