Neuromuscular dysfunction in the cancer patient: Evaluation and treatment

Abstract

Cancer is a common diagnosis. In conjunction with various anti-neoplastic therapies delivered sequentially or concurrently, it makes oncology patients among the most complex to treat. This review uses a series of case studies to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of cancer-related nerve and muscle disorders. Oncologic treatment interventions such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy, often have predictable side-effects, and sometimes their associated disability can be mitigated, especially if recognized early. Disease progression can mimic other diagnoses. The case studies provide a lens through which to study the presenting symptoms, differential diagnoses, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment interventions. These are all considered within the context of the patient's prognosis and health-related quality of life. Muscle Nerve 58: 335-343, 2018.

Training and Practice Patterns in Cancer Rehabilitation: A Survey of Physiatrists Specializing in Oncology Care

“…As these survival rates continue to increase, it is important for all clinicians to not only be aware of potential impairments that may arise as a direct result of a tumor or its oncologic management, but to understand how to apply rehabilitation principles to this population . This topic is of great interest to physiatrists in general, as the majority of them are regularly caring for cancer survivors who often have problems related to oncology‐directed treatment (eg, shoulder adhesive capsulitis in patients with a history of breast, lung, or head and neck cancer) . There is a growing group of early career physiatrists who are training in cancer rehabilitation.…”