Saudi Journal of Biomedical Research (SJBR)
Volume-4 | Issue-07 | 270-278
Original Research Article
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Patients with CancerRelated Pain: A Systematic Review
Ricardo Guimarães Amaral, Silvio Santos Lacrose Sandes, Lucas Vasconcelos Lima, Fernanda Mendonça Araújo, Luciana Nalone Andrade, Adriana Andrade Carvalho, Josimari Melo de Santana
Published : July 30, 2019
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to perform a systematic review, in order to investigate the effects of a non-pharmacological
therapy (TENS) in cancer pain through clinical trials. Methods: 208 studies were identified in those databases, after title
and abstract analysis, 198 studies were excluded. A total of 10 studies were selected for full-text analysis. Six papers
were excluded based on exclusion criteria, resulting in 4 studies included for this systematic review. Standardized forms
were used for analysis. Risk of bias was assessed with the “Cochrane Collaboration” tool, which assess five different
domains. Results: Selected studies were randomized clinical trials that investigated the use and/or feasibility of
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on patients suffering from cancer-related pain. However, studies had a high
divergence regarding sample, methodological design, treatment parameters, and outcomes assessed. Two studies, one
involving pain related to breast cancer treatment and other investigating TENS on palliative care, showed no difference
from placebo. Other two manuscripts report positive effects on pain, one on cancer-related bone pain and a second on
cancer-related postoperative pain. Conclusion: We concluded that there is no sufficient evidence showing that TENS is
effective for treating cancer-related pain. Additional research, with larger sample sizes, sample homogeneity and
randomization and that investigate potential side effects is needed for a better assessment of TENS viability for the
treatment of cancer-related pain.