Improving quality of life among cancer patients in the modern era

Introduction:

Modern cancer treatments often lead to a wide range of acute side effects, such as nausea, fatigue, pain, and infections that significantly impair daily functioning. Long-term complications, including neuropathy, hormonal imbalances, infertility, and emotional disturbances (e.g., anxiety, depression, cognitive impairment), may persist for years post-treatment, affecting survivors’ overall quality of life and reintegration into normal life.

Methods:

A literature review of the past five years was conducted to identify strategies aimed at improving quality of life and managing post-treatment complications among cancer survivors.

Results:

Common treatment-related complications include radiation-induced skin toxicity, persistent fatigue, alopecia, and weight changes. Advanced radiotherapy techniques like IMRT and SRS help reduce toxicity to healthy tissues. Head and neck cancer treatments can cause xerostomia, visible disfigurement, and facial lymphedema, now more effectively managed with minimally invasive surgery.

Cardiac complications, especially when using agents like doxorubicin, can be mitigated by dose limitation and coordinated care with cardiologists for close monitoring. A multimodal AI-based system, CardioAI, was developed to support symptom monitoring and risk prediction.

Gastrointestinal side effects include altered bowel habits, limiting fat to roughly 20% of daily energy significantly reduces abdominal pain and nocturnal diarrhea in cancer patients with bile acid malabsorption, supporting its routine use to prevent radiation-related gastrointestinal complications, while urological concerns such as urinary incontinence commonly occur after prostatectomy. Routine and resistance-band assisted pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) significantly reduces incontinence severity and shortens time to continence. One 2019 study noted improved urine control, quality of life, and reduced anxiety/depression within 3 months of starting. Pelvic fractures are sometimes reported following radiotherapy due to bone demineralization, while vitamin D, calcium and bisphosphonates help mitigate radiotherapy-induced bone loss.

Sexual dysfunction remains under-addressed due to cultural stigma; structured documentation and role- play-based provider education show promise in improving care.

Social and economic burdens compound the medical challenges. Cancer survivors may experience financial toxicity, occasionally requiring loans or mortgage refinancing, which can strain family relationships. Persistent fear of recurrence and chronic stress also add to emotional exhaustion, highlighting the need for comprehensive psychosocial support. Based on a review and systemic meta- analysis performed in 2024, 136 randomized control trials with 23,154 participants were identified. Of these interventions, three types: digitally-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), health education, and virtual reality therapy (VRT), demonstrated significant reductions in psychological distress compared to non-active controls. These three interventions improved quality of life compared to non-active controls.

Conclusion:

Cancer survivorship demands a holistic, multidisciplinary approach. Reducing physical and psychological complications requires coordinated care between oncologists, specialists, and mental health professionals. Technological tools, such as AI systems and digital therapies, along with open communication and tailored education, can empower survivors and significantly enhance their long-term quality of life.

Liburn Grabovci is a medical doctor and who graduated in the faculty of medicine in Kosovo. His interests include surgery and internal medicine, and he aims to pursue postgraduate specialization while remaining dedicated to lifelong learning, professional growth and works in scientific papers. He collaborates with his other colleagues in the cancer research team of Professor Patricia Tai in Canada who serves as a mentor for them all.