Junting Huang
Xi’an Jiaotong University, China
Title: Ameliorate effects of bright light therapy on cancer-related fatigue: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Biography
Biography: Junting Huang
Abstract
State of the Problem: Among cancer patients, 52.7% endure clinically significant cancer-related fatigue (CRF), the most distressing symptom correlated with the disease process and anti-cancer treatments. CRF significantly deteriorates the quality of life (QOL) of both cancer patients and their families, including their confidence in conquering cancer. Therefore, management of CRF is an urgent need. However, exact and effective pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies for the management of CRF are lacking. The purpose of this meta-analysis was performed to critically evaluate the effectiveness of bright light therapy (BLT) in CRF management and thereby reach a more convincing conclusion with respect to light therapy for CRF.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Eight databases (Cochrane Library, Ovid, Web of Science, Medline, Embase, CBM, CNKI, and Wanfang) were systematically searched to identify randomized controlled trails (RCTs) that investigated the effects of BLT on CRF from inception to December 2018. Two reviewers independently assessed the risk of bias using Cochrane Collaboration criteria and extracted correlated data using the designed form. All analyses were performed with Review Manager 5.2.3.
Findings: Two RCTs, including patients 120 (white bright light group, 65; dim red light group, 55), meeting the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis were identified. And they were assessed as being of low risk for bias. BLT had a marked effect on fatigue in cancer patients, particularly among breast cancer patients. We also evaluated the effect of BLT on cancer patients by the reduction of fatigue symptom (SMD=-1.5; 95% CI= [-2.02, -0.16]). Adverse events didn’t been reported in two trials.
Conclusion & Significance: BLT is effective for CRF management and should be recommended as a beneficial alternative therapy for CRF patients, particularly for breast cancer patients. Studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm the curative effect of BLT in the future.