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Current Oncology
Special Issues
Cancer Rehabilitation: Innovations in Practice & Enhancing Survivorship Care
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Cancer Rehabilitation: Innovations in Practice & Enhancing Survivorship Care

A special issue of Current Oncology (ISSN 1718-7729). This special issue belongs to the section "Palliative and Supportive Care".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 February 2026) | Viewed by 4870

Special Issue Editors

Dr. David M. Langelier

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Calgary, 1403–29th Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 2T9, Canada
2. Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, 1403–29th Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 2T9, Canada
Interests: advanced & metastatic cancers; physical activity & exercise; functional impairment; survivorship
Dr. Sara Parke

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
2. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Tucson Medical Center, Tucson, AZ, USA
Interests: head and neck cancer rehabilitation; prehabilitation; cancer-related fatgiue management; survivorship; exercise oncology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As cancer survival rates continue to improve, the importance of comprehensive rehabilitation strategies has never been more paramount. Our focus encompasses a wide array of topics, including, but not limited to, the development of rehabilitation care models, the management of impairments and disabilities, and strategies for effective symptom management in cancer survivors.

We invite researchers to submit cutting-edge research that provides insights into improving the quality of life for cancer survivors through evidence-based rehabilitation practices. We are particularly interested in studies that explore novel interventions, assess the efficacy of rehabilitation programs, and address the multifaceted needs of cancer survivors or those living with advanced or metastatic disease. Additionally, we welcome submissions that examine the integration of rehabilitation services within healthcare systems and their impact on patient outcomes.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. David M. Langelier
Dr. Sara Parke
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Current Oncology is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • cancer rehabilitation
  • physiatry
  • survivorship
  • symptom management
  • impairment
  • disability

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 585 KB  
Article
Acupuncture Improves Functional Limitations for Cancer Patients with Chronic Pain: A Secondary Analysis of PEACE Randomized Clinical Trial
by Lingyun Sun, Mothi Babu Ramalingam, Raymond Baser, Marco Santos Teles, Christina Seluzicki, Qing Susan Li and Jun J. Mao
Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(11), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32110640 - 16 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1377
Abstract
Chronic pain significantly impairs functional performance in patients with cancer. Although acupuncture is effective for cancer-related pain, its impact on pain-related functional interference remains unclear. This secondary analysis of the PEACE randomized clinical trial included patients with prior cancer diagnoses and musculoskeletal pain [...] Read more.
Chronic pain significantly impairs functional performance in patients with cancer. Although acupuncture is effective for cancer-related pain, its impact on pain-related functional interference remains unclear. This secondary analysis of the PEACE randomized clinical trial included patients with prior cancer diagnoses and musculoskeletal pain for ≥3 months. Participants were randomized to groups undergoing 10 weeks of electro-acupuncture, auricular acupuncture, or a waitlist control. Functional performance was assessed using the Quick-Disability Arm/Shoulder/Hand (Q-DASH) for upper limbs and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) subscale for lower limbs (higher scores = worse function). Linear mixed models compared changes over time between groups, with week 12 as the primary endpoint. Functional changes were also compared between pain responders and non-responders in the acupuncture arms. Among 360 patients (mean [SD] age, 62.1 [12.7] years; 69.7% women), mean baseline Q-DASH and WOMAC scores were 33.2 (19.8) and 33.3 (20.3). At week 12, both electro-acupuncture and auricular acupuncture significantly improved function versus waitlist: Q-DASH by −7.18 and −9.64 points, respectively, and WOMAC by −6.89 and −7.61 points (all p < 0.001). No differences were found between the two acupuncture groups. Treatment effects on Q-DASH diminished during follow-up, while improvements on WOMAC persisted. Within the acupuncture groups, pain responders achieved greater functional gains than non-responders (Q-DASH, −6.74; WOMAC, −6.16; both p < 0.001). Electro-acupuncture and auricular acupuncture improved upper and lower extremity function in cancer patients with chronic pain. These findings support acupuncture as a potential adjunct in functional rehabilitation for cancer survivors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Rehabilitation: Innovations in Practice & Enhancing Survivorship Care)
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20 pages, 877 KB  
Article
Structural Validity and Reliability of a Tool for Clinical Rehabilitation Staff to Evaluate Life-Goal-Setting Practice for Cancer Survivors
by Katsuma Ikeuchi, Seiji Nishida, Mari Karikawa, Chiaki Sakamoto and Mutsuhide Tanaka
Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(11), 625; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32110625 - 6 Nov 2025
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Abstract
Background: There is a need for an assessment tool for clinical rehabilitation staff to evaluate their life-goal-setting practice, especially in oncology rehabilitation. This study aimed to confirm the structural validity and reliability of the 21-item Reengagement life Goal Assessment Tool for Cancer [...] Read more.
Background: There is a need for an assessment tool for clinical rehabilitation staff to evaluate their life-goal-setting practice, especially in oncology rehabilitation. This study aimed to confirm the structural validity and reliability of the 21-item Reengagement life Goal Assessment Tool for Cancer survivors (ReGAT-C) with a five-category response scale. Methods: Participants were clinical rehabilitation staff who worked at designated cancer care hospitals in Japan and had experience in setting life-goals with cancer survivors hospitalized during the non-terminal phase. The ReGAT-C was mailed to participants twice, and Rasch analysis was repeated on the scores of the first ReGAT-C to test structural validity and reliability. The test–retest reliability was also examined using the scores of the first and second ReGAT-Cs after revising it according to the Rasch analysis results. Results: A total of 121 participants completed the first ReGAT-C, and 70 participants completed the second ReGAT-C. Following three Rasch analyses, the ReGAT-C was revised to contain 14 items with a three-category response scale. The revised scale showed satisfactory psychometric properties. Conclusions: The 14-item ReGAT-C with a three-category response scale could help staff to identify elements that are lacking in their practice and adjust their policies based on the items’ difficulty. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Rehabilitation: Innovations in Practice & Enhancing Survivorship Care)
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14 pages, 398 KB  
Article
Feasibility of a Physiatry Assessment Clinic to Address Physical Impairment in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Following Neck Resection and Free Flap Reconstruction
by Lauren C. Capozzi, Chad Wagoner, Julia T. Daun, Lisa Murphy, Steven C. Nakoneshny, George J. Francis, Joseph C. Dort, Khara Sauro and S. Nicole Culos-Reed
Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(10), 562; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32100562 - 7 Oct 2025
Viewed by 912
Abstract
Individuals with head and neck cancers are living longer than ever before, yet many live with the long-term effects of their cancer and treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of a physiatry assessment clinic (PAC) following neck resection [...] Read more.
Individuals with head and neck cancers are living longer than ever before, yet many live with the long-term effects of their cancer and treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of a physiatry assessment clinic (PAC) following neck resection and free flap reconstruction, during which physical function was assessed. Methods: Adult patients participating in a larger prehabilitation study were included. Attendance and the ability to complete the physical function assessment were examined. Exploratory analyses were completed to describe physical function, fitness, shoulder, and neck function among PAC attenders. To further understand PAC feasibility, patient-reported outcomes among PAC attenders and non-attenders were examined over 12 months (QuickDASH, NDII, EAT-10). Results: A total of 36 eligible participants (78.2%) from the larger prehabilitation study were approached to participate in the PAC, and 19 of the 36 attended (52.8%). Participants attended on average 8.6 ± 3.6 weeks post surgery, and 100% were able to complete the functional measures. Exploratory data suggest that those who did not attend (17 of 36 approached) had more advanced disease compared to those who attended (p < 0.05). Patient-reported outcomes suggested better shoulder function and swallow function at 6 months among those who attended the clinic versus those who did not. Conclusions: While recruitment to the PAC and assessment completion demonstrated feasibility, attendance posed challenges for patients. These findings highlight the need for innovative approaches to screening patients and tailoring rehabilitation services based on physical impairment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Rehabilitation: Innovations in Practice & Enhancing Survivorship Care)
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Review

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20 pages, 674 KB  
Review
Exercise Interventions to Address Sarcopenia in People with Multiple Myeloma: A Scoping Review
by Leslie P. Ternes, Graeme M. Purdy, Stéphanie Bernard and Margaret L. McNeely
Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(10), 581; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32100581 - 18 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1223
Abstract
Background: The clinical characteristics of sarcopenia, including low muscular strength, are commonly seen among people with multiple myeloma. A scoping review was conducted to explore the role of exercise as a potential countermeasure for sarcopenia in this population. Our objectives were to [...] Read more.
Background: The clinical characteristics of sarcopenia, including low muscular strength, are commonly seen among people with multiple myeloma. A scoping review was conducted to explore the role of exercise as a potential countermeasure for sarcopenia in this population. Our objectives were to (1) describe the design and findings of the studies and (2) identify the outcomes used in exercise-related studies to characterize sarcopenia. Methods: A systematic search (to March 2025) was conducted for published studies involving exercise or physical activity for individuals with multiple myeloma using key databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus). Results: Of 971 articles reviewed, 12 articles were included, involving 967 total participants and 624 with multiple myeloma. All 12 studies included a measure for muscle physical performance, 9 studies included measures for muscular strength, and 7 studies included measures for muscle quantity/quality. Five studies reported a significant improvement from exercise for measures of muscular strength, four studies reported a significant benefit for physical performance, and three studies reported a benefit in muscle quantity. Few studies included outcomes that met all the international criteria recommended to characterize sarcopenia. Conclusions: Further multicentre research trials are needed to better understand whether and how exercise may be helpful for people with multiple myeloma, especially in the context of sarcopenia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Rehabilitation: Innovations in Practice & Enhancing Survivorship Care)
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