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Efficacy of Massage Therapy for Symptom Management in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract:

Background: Cancer and its treatments frequently lead to physical and psychological symptoms that negatively affect quality of life. Massage therapy has been proposed as a complementary intervention to reduce symptom burden through its effects on stress regulation and autonomic balance. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of massage therapy in patients with cancer. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, and CINAHL. Search terms included “massage therapy,” “reflexology,” “massage,” and “cancer.” Randomized controlled trials comparing massage therapy with placebo or standard care and reporting quantitative outcomes were eligible. Seven studies met inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. Results: Compared with control conditions, massage therapy was associated with significant improvements in several outcomes: Behavioral Symptoms Frequency (BSF) (MD = −12.54; 95% CI: −18.70 to −6.38; p < 0.0001), Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ) scores (SMD = 10.10; 95% CI: 1.21 to 19.00; p = 0.03), Spielberger State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores (MD = −3.97; 95% CI: −4.63 to −3.31; p = 0.0001), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) symptom intensity (MD = −1.09; 95% CI: −2.11 to −0.07; p = 0.04). Overall certainty of evidence was limited by methodological heterogeneity and risk of bias. Conclusions: Massage therapy may provide short-term improvements in selected physical and psychological symptoms in cancer patients and may serve as a supportive complementary intervention. However, the evidence remains limited, and well-designed trials with standardized protocols are needed to strengthen the reliability of these findings.