Long-term changes in physical capacity after colorectal cancer treatment. Issue 2 (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hamaker, Marije E.; Prins, Meike C.; Schiphorst, Anandi H.; van Tuyl, Sebastiaan A.C.; Pronk, Apollo; van den Bos, Frederiek
• Is Part Of: Journal of geriatric oncology. Volume 6:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: 153
• Page End: 164
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: Geriatric oncology -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Aged -- Periodicals; Geriatric oncology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 618.976994005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2014.10.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1879-4068

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="author" id="ab0005"> <title id="st0005">Abstract</title> <sec> <p id="sp0005">Older patients with colorectal cancer are faced with the dilemma of choosing between the short-term risks of treatment and the long-term risks of insufficiently treated disease. In addition to treatment-related morbidity and mortality, patients may suffer from loss of physical capacity. The purpose of this review was to gather all available evidence regarding long-term changes in physical functioning and role functioning after colorectal cancer treatment, by performing a systematic Medline and Embase search. This search yielded 27 publications from 23 studies. In 16 studies addressing physical functioning after rectal cancer treatment, a median drop of 10% (range − 26% to − 5%) in the mean score for this item at three months. At six months, mean score was still 7% lower than baseline (range − 18% to 0%) and at twelve months 5% lower (range − 13% to + 5%). For role functioning (i.e. ability to perform daily activities) after rectal cancer treatment, scores were − 18% (range − 39% to − 2%), − 8% (range − 23% to + 6%) and − 5% (range − 17% to + 10%) respectively. Elderly patients experience the greatest and most persistent decline in self-care capacity (up to 61% at one year). This systematic review demonstrates that both physical functioning and role functioning are significantly affected by colorectal cancer surgery. Although initial losses are recovered partially during follow-up, there is a permanent loss in both aspects of physical capacity, in patients of all ages but especially in the elderly. This aspect should be included in patient counselling regarding surgery.</p> </sec> </abstract>