Outcomes of exercise in nasopharyngeal cancer survivors: a systematic review

Abstract

Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is a rare and aggressive form of head and neck cancer, with a high prevalence in Southeast Asia. While advancements in treatment have improved survival rates, survivors often face persistent physical and psychosocial challenges. Exercise has emerged as a promising intervention to mitigate these issues and enhance the quality of life in NPC survivors. This systematic review aims to synthesize current evidence on the effects of exercise interventions in this patient population. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, PMC, and Scopus databases using keywords related to “nasopharyngeal cancer” and “exercise”. Studies that assessed the effects of exercise therapies on NPC survivors were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB) Tool and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist. The review included five studies: two randomized controlled trials and three non-randomized controlled trials. The overall quality ranged from moderate to good. Exercise interventions included Qi Gong, resistance training, Tai Chi, rehabilitation exercise, and multimodal exercise programs. The outcomes varied by intervention type. Multimodal exercise programs and resistance training during treatment have been shown to improve physical fitness, quality of life, and reduce complications. Tai Chi was effective in alleviating fatigue. In contrast, Qi Gong did not demonstrate significant improvements. Combining exercise with supportive measures, such as nutritional counselling, showed additional benefits, though these effects diminished over time. For the conclusion, exercise interventions hold potential for improving the well-being of NPC survivors, but their effectiveness varies based on the type, timing, and individual patient factors. Further research is needed to optimize exercise programs tailored to the specific needs of this population.