Non-Pharmacological Methods and Techniques in the Treatment of Cancer Pain: Literature Systematic Review

Introduction: Pain is an unpleasant sensation and responsible for several harms in the lives of cancer patients. This symptom can be related to several factors, has multiple levels of intensity and time of onset, it may be associated with the invasive spread of cancer cells in the body or as a result of anticancer treatment. Objective: Check which are the non-pharmacological techniques and methods adopted in the treatment of cancer pain, as well as describe their therapeutic efficacy. Method: Systematic literature review registered at PROSPERO, number CRD42021244286. Scientific articles on the subject were searched in electronic databases LILACS, PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane/CENTRAL, in Portuguese, English and Spanish, from 2010 to 2020, according to the inclusion criteria; randomized controlled clinical trials, whose sample consisted of adults over 18 years old, of both sexes, with cancer-related pain, who used non-pharmacological methods and techniques to treat the pain. Results: Twelve articles were included for analysis with a total sample of 885 patients submitted to protocols of non-pharmacological techniques with acupuncture, auricular acupuncture, acupressure, electrotherapy, yoga, manual therapy exercises, reflexology, massage and education program for pain management. All articles analyzed showed good results in the treatment of cancer pain. Conclusion: The modalities of complementary therapies, health literacy and electrical stimulation can contribute to reduce pain, however, exercise programs are effective only during the treatment period