Wellbeing and Complementary Therapies in Breast Cancer Peripheral Neuropathy Care: A Scoping Review Focused on Foot Health

Abstract

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a multidimensional health problem. Up to now, little evidence has been found concerning its impact on quality of life and foot health. Evaluation tools and prevention and treatment strategies must be reported. This study aimed to map the literature on the impact of this side effect on the wellbeing and foot health of people with breast cancer and to describe their main assessment strategies and complementary therapies. Methods: A scoping review was carried out while following the PRISMA-ScR and Arksey and O’Malley guidelines. Different databases (Cochrane Plus, Scopus, Web of Science, and Pubmed) were used. A total of 221 results were identified. Sixteen articles were included. Results: The thematic analysis obtained the following categories: the impact of peripheral neuropathy on quality of life and foot health, complementary therapies as a path for new strategies, and the need for clinicians and researchers to get involved in researching this side effect. Conclusions: Peripheral neuropathy has a negative impact on people’s quality of life. Implications for foot health and maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle have not been previously reported. Complementary therapies are recommended by scientific evidence, highlighting exercise. However, there is a need to develop more research that will help to incorporate them into evidence-based practice.

Foot Health in People with Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Scoping Review

“…This agrees with other investigations [7], which report a correlation between adverse effects such as neuropathy and edema and a decrease in QoL. Other recent research shows that foot assessment methods are inconsistent among published studies, that the effects of neuropathy on foot health are most prominent, and that it adds morbidity to the cancer population [42]. Like hand-foot syndrome, this effect is associated with falls and balance problems [49].…”

“…On the other hand, there is wide-ranging literature on the pathophysiological mechanisms of peripheral neuropathy. Although the foot is the most affected part, there is no literature that specifically focuses on what happens in the lower extremity [42]. By contrast, there is research on its involvement in QoL, gait, and balance [28].…”

“…Concerning peripheral neuropathy, recent research reports on the main complementary therapies to prevent or treat this side effect. It stands out in the exercise [42]. Concerning nail and dermal toxicities, such as paronychia or hand-foot syndrome, topical antibiotics, or urea cream [13].…”