A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 15 studies on the effectiveness of non-invasive interventions for improving symptoms, psychological functioning and quality of life in patients with lung cancer, with a total of 833 subjects.
Three trials of a nursing intervention to manage breathlessness showed benefit on symptom experience, performance status and emotional functioning. Four trials assessed structured nursing programmes and found positive effects on delay in clinical deterioration, dependency and symptom distress, and improvements in emotional functioning and satisfaction with care. One trial assessing counselling showed benefit on some emotional components of the illness but findings were not conclusive. Two trials assessing an exercise programme, found a beneficial effect on self-empowerment. One trial of nutritional interventions found positive effects for increasing energy intake, but no improvement in quality of life. Two trials of reflexology showed some positive, but short-lasting effects on anxiety.
Comment: The main limitations of the studies included were the variability of the interventions assessed and the approaches to measuring the considered outcomes, and the lack of data reported in the trials regarding allocation of patients to treatment groups and blinding.
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