Identifying Causes of Balance Impairment and Exploring Sensory Contributions to Balance in Pediatric Oncology: A Scoping Review

Overview

Journal Crit Rev Oncol Hematol

Specialty Hematology

Date 2024 Jun 23

PMID 38909876

Authors

Emily McCarthy

Victoria G Marchese

Andrea G Shipper

Kelly Rock

Cara Felter

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: To identify causes of balance impairment in children undergoing treatment for cancer and childhood cancer survivors.

Methods: A systematic search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if participants were 0-19 years of age with a current/past diagnosis of cancer, an objective balance measure was reported, and a cause of balance impairment was either stated or implied.

Results: The 64 full text studies included identified balance impairments as sequelae secondary to CNS tumors, and/or as an effect of medical treatment including chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery. Cancer treatment can result in damage to the visual, vestibular and/or somatosensory systems which in turn can contribute to balance dysfunction.

Conclusions: Balance impairments were caused by the cancer itself or the result of medical treatment. Oncology professionals are integral in recognition and treatment of factors affecting balance impairments in childhood cancer; however, further research is needed to identify interventions targeting specific causes of balance impairment.

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