The effect of oncology massage in the treatment and prophylaxis of patient-reported distress during cancer treatment.

Abstract

191 Background: Distress (DS) levels are usually elevated across the disease course of cancer patients. Massage Therapy (MT) can improve patient-reported DS levels. We characterize the effect of MT on DS prevention and treatment, and compare the outcomes between single and multiple treatment sessions. Methods: This was a prospective single arm intervention with pre/post assessment using the validated NCCN DS Thermometer for patients on active chemotherapy who agreed to receive at least one MT session over a 10-week period. Results: 62 pts were included. 34/62 (55%) had DS when accruement started (X = 3.82, 6±4, M = 3, SD 2.32). 33/34 (97%) had improvement of DS after 1st session regardless of the type of DS on an average of 25% (p < 0.05). From 1st MT session to beginning of 2nd MT session (5±3 wks), DS had improved in 78% (14/18) of pts on an average of 31% (p < 0.001). 4/18 (22%) reported DS worsening chronically (X = 3.5, M = 3.5). 28/28 (100%) who had no DS reported initially did not develop it by the end of their participation. Conclusions: DS is prevalent among cancer patients and can affect treatment outcomes and overall quality of life. Regardless of type and source of DS, MT resulted in relief of patient-reported DS in a cumulative manner. MT may even appear to delay or prevent the onset of DS. Further studies are needed to determine if the improvement in DS is singularly from the MT intervention the patients received or from the emotional support that the therapist provided. A randomized study is also necessary to determine frequency and total duration of optimal treatment to confirm MT’s prophylactic and therapeutic ability for DS.