Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2025
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema
Published on: January 12, 2017
[Study of changes in balance in breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy]
J M Elía1, J M Tenías2, V Iñigo1
1Departamento de Medicina Física y Rehabilitación, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, España.
Introduction:
Instability is a common symptom reported by patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) during breast cancer treatment. Posturography may be useful for the functional assessment and management of these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate postural control changes through biomechanical assessment in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Material And Methods:
A prospective longitudinal observational study was conducted with 39 women (mean age 51.0 years, SD 8.9) in stages I (n=14), II (n=18), and III (n=7). Assessments included posturography, the modified Total Neuropathy Score (mTNS), and the EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 and EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaires at baseline, and at 3 and 6 months.
Results:
Posturographic variables showed a pattern of vestibular dysfunction that worsened over time (88.5%, p<0.01). A direct correlation was observed between body mass index (BMI) and mTNS (r=0.361; p<0.001); BMI was also related to sway area and anteroposterior displacement. At 3 and 6 months, inverse correlations were identified between mTNS and posturographic conditions, which were associated with increased symptom severity in all subscales of the EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
Postural stability is affected by chemotherapy cycles in breast cancer patients. Early identification allows for the incorporation of specific interventions in this patient group and the consideration of therapeutic alternatives.
