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: 15 February 2026 | Viewed by 1350

Special Issue Editors


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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

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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

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Keywords

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

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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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
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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
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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
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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
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