New horizons in comprehensive rehabilitation of melanoma patients: improved outcomes through an integrated approach to immunotherapy

Abstract

Abstract. The article discusses the importance of a comprehensive rehabilitation approach for melanoma patients when treated with immunotherapy. By focusing on innovative treatments, the study highlights the need to integrate nutritional support, physical therapy, magnetic therapy, and psychological support to improve quality of life and enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy regimens. Purpose of the study: to evaluate the impact of the multidisciplinary rehabilitation program on physiological functions, psycho-emotional well-being, general antitumor effect, and quality of life of patients with melanoma. Materials and methods. The study included 135 patients diagnosed with melanoma who received a course of immunotherapy. In the study group (the main group), a complex of rehabilitation techniques (magnetic therapy, therapeutic exercises, nutritional support, psychological support) was used, while in the control group, the patients did not undergo the accompanying comprehensive rehabilitation program. Treatment effectiveness was assessed in accordance with iRECIST 1.1 criteria; to assess the quality of life, the Russian version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire was used. Results. The patients of the study group showed an improvement in their general physical condition and a decrease in the intensity of some side effects of treatment. The patients in the control group also showed changes in their health status, but they were less pronounced compared to the study group. Adverse events during treatment occurred in 55 % of the patients in the study group and in 74 % of the patients in the control group. The patients in the study group noted an improvement in quality of life by 25 %, while in the patients in the control group this indicator was 12 %. An 18 % improvement in general condition was noted by the patients in the study group, while the patients in the control group noted an 8 % improvement in general well-being. Conclusion. The implementation of the multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach, including nutritional support, therapeutic exercises, magnetic therapy, and psychological support, demonstrates significant improvements in symptom management and quality of life in melanoma patients undergoing immunotherapy.