Evidências científicas sobre o manejo fisioterapêutico das neuropatias periféricas induzidas por quimioterapia: uma revisão integrativa

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate how physiotherapy contributes to the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Methods: Studies on CIPN indexed in the SciELO, LILACS, and PubMed databases were selected. The search was conducted using descriptors combined with Boolean operators, covering the period from 2015 to 2025. Article selection and data extraction followed previously defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Cancer types, chemotherapeutic agents, clinical manifestations, physiotherapeutic interventions, and impacts on quality of life were analyzed. Results: The analysis revealed a predominance of breast cancer patients and a higher frequency of taxane use, especially paclitaxel, associated with the development of CIPN. The most frequent manifestations were peripheral sensory alterations, neuropathic pain, motor deficits, and functional impairment. The main rehabilitation strategies identified were multicomponent therapeutic exercises involving strength, balance, coordination, and aerobic activities. Discussion: Despite the methodological variability among the studies, physiotherapeutic interventions demonstrated potential to reduce neuropathic symptoms, preserve functionality, and minimize the impacts of chemotherapy on the quality of life of cancer patients. Therapeutic exercise programs stood out as safe and effective non-pharmacological strategies, particularly when initiated early during chemotherapy treatment. Conclusion: Physiotherapy demonstrated relevant therapeutic potential in the management of CIPN. However, a scarcity of studies involving patients with chronic conditions was observed, highlighting the need for research focused on long-term follow-up and post-chemotherapy rehabilitation due to the persistence of neuropathic symptoms after treatment.