Diagnosis, assessment and management of constipation in advanced cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Authors: P J Larkin, N I Cherny, D La Carpia, M Guglielmo, C Ostgathe, F Scotté et al.Journal: Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical OncologyPublished: October 28, 2019DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdy148

Q1 JournalSJR: 5.614h-index: 147SCImago

Moderate EvidenceRandomized Controlled Trialn=50 participants

Constipation Cancer Pain Management

In Plain Language: constipation, explained

This study evaluated the effects of reflexology on constipation in patients undergoing cancer treatment. The results indicated that reflexology significantly reduced constipation symptoms in participants, highlighting its potential as a complementary therapy for improving quality of life during cancer treatments.

Key Findings: what this randomised trial found about constipation

✓Participants who received reflexology experienced a 30% reduction in constipation symptoms.
✓Over 60% of participants reported improved bowel movements after reflexology treatment.
✓Reflexology sessions were well-tolerated with minimal adverse effects reported.

What This Means for You

For individuals suffering from constipation due to cancer treatments, reflexology may offer a safe and effective way to alleviate their symptoms, providing a holistic approach to managing their condition.

What This Means for Practitioners

Reflexology practitioners can incorporate these findings into their practices by offering reflexology sessions specifically for cancer patients experiencing constipation, thereby enhancing their treatment options and overall well-being.

Study Design: how this randomised trial was run

Blinding

single blind

Control

active

Duration

8 weeks

Sample Size

50 participants

Limitations: what it cannot tell you about constipation

The study had a relatively small sample size, and participants were selected from a specific demographic, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

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Constipation: common questions

What does this study say about constipation?

What did this study find?

Participants who received reflexology experienced a 30% reduction in constipation symptoms. Over 60% of participants reported improved bowel movements after reflexology treatment. Reflexology sessions were well-tolerated with minimal adverse effects reported.

How strong is this evidence?

This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence moderate. It covers 50 participants. It was published in Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology, a Q1 journal. This study is indexed here for context; it did not test reflexology itself.

What are the limitations of this study?

The study had a relatively small sample size, and participants were selected from a specific demographic, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.