Wellbeing and Complementary Therapies in Breast Cancer Peripheral Neuropathy Care: A Scoping Review Focused on Foot Health

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is highly relevant in breast cancer because of the symptoms it triggers and its corresponding negative impact on health status. The foot is the most affected part of the body by this adverse effect. However, little is known about its implications and the most relevant complementary therapies to deal with it. Hence, this scoping review aimed to summarize the impact of this side effect on quality of life and foot health of people with breast cancer as well as describe the main assessment strategies and complementary therapies that may be used in clinical practice. Subsequently, by summarizing these findings, the aim was to communicate the key gaps in current knowledge and provide directions for new research as well as contribute to developing evidence-based practice in this highlighted field. ABSTRACT: Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a multidimensional health problem. Up to now, little evidence has been found concerning its impact on quality of life and foot health. Evaluation tools and prevention and treatment strategies must be reported. This study aimed to map the literature on the impact of this side effect on the wellbeing and foot health of people with breast cancer and to describe their main assessment strategies and complementary therapies. Methods: A scoping review was carried out while following the PRISMA-ScR and Arksey and O’Malley guidelines. Different databases (Cochrane Plus, Scopus, Web of Science, and Pubmed) were used. A total of 221 results were identified. Sixteen articles were included. Results: The thematic analysis obtained the following categories: the impact of peripheral neuropathy on quality of life and foot health, complementary therapies as a path for new strategies, and the need for clinicians and researchers to get involved in researching this side effect. Conclusions: Peripheral neuropathy has a negative impact on people’s quality of life. Implications for foot health and maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle have not been previously reported. Complementary therapies are recommended by scientific evidence, highlighting exercise. However, there is a need to develop more research that will help to incorporate them into evidence-based practice.