Qualidade de Vida de Pacientes em Tratamento Oncológico

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Cancer remains one of the main threats to global health. The complexity of the disease and cancer treatments impact on patients' physical, emotional and social quality of life (QoL), negatively contributing to survival. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions have been used to mitigate these adverse effects. OBJECTIVES: To review the physical, emotional and social impacts of cancer treatment on patients' QoL; to analyze the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions such as physical activity, psychological support and art therapy; to analyze pharmacological strategies; and to propose evidence-based recommendations. METHODOLOGY: Bibliographic review conducted between February and July 2025, in the PubMed and SciELO databases, using the Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS): “Medical Oncology”, “Quality of Life” and “Neoplasms”. Inclusion criteria: reviews or meta-analyses published between 2000 and 2025. Duplicate articles, abstracts or articles that did not directly address the topic were excluded. The final sample consisted of 15 articles. RESULTS: The diagnosis and treatment of cancer has an emotional impact, leading to anxiety and depression. Art therapy was shown to be effective in reducing emotional symptoms if included in a broad therapeutic approach. Yoga and physical exercise improved sleep, fatigue and general well-being. Pharmacological interventions with clinical pharmacists promoted greater therapeutic adherence, reduced side effects and better clinical outcomes. However, methodological limitations and a lack of standardization hinder the widespread application of integrative practices. Early palliative care and continuous psychosocial support also minimized the physical and emotional suffering of patients and their families. CONCLUSION: Cancer treatment should be multidimensional, integrating pharmacological therapies and evidence-based complementary interventions. Physical activity, art therapy and psychosocial support had a positive impact on QoL. The role of the clinical pharmacist improves adherence to treatment and patient safety. The integration of conventional treatments and complementary approaches promotes more humanized and effective care.