Fisioterapia em pacientes com câncer de pulmão sob cuidados paliativos: uma revisão integrativa

Abstract

Introduction: Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers in the world, often diagnosed at advanced stages. At this stage, many patients experience symptoms such as dyspnea, pain, fatigue, and functional limitations, making palliative care essential to maintain comfort and quality of life. In this context, physical therapy emerges as an important ally in managing these symptoms, promoting functionality, discomfort relief, and emotional support. Objectives: To describe the role of physical therapy in patients with lung cancer receiving palliative care, identifying the main interventions used and their clinical and functional benefits. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review. The search was conducted in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), and Google Scholar databases. Articles published between 2021 and 2024, in Portuguese and English, available free of charge in full, were selected. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven studies comprised the final sample. Results: Studies have shown that interventions such as kinesiotherapy, breathing exercises, manual techniques, and combined approaches favor the reduction of pain, dyspnea, and fatigue. Early physiotherapy integrated with the multidisciplinary team has also proven effective in maintaining autonomy and preventing complications, contributing to more humanized care. Conclusion: Physical therapy plays an essential role in palliative care for lung cancer patients, promoting symptom relief, functionality, and improved quality of life. Despite the positive results found in the literature, there are still gaps that reinforce the need for further research, especially clinical trials that evaluate specific intervention protocols. Nevertheless, it is clear that physical therapy is an indispensable component of comprehensive care for patients with advanced cancer.