{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Identifying causes of balance impairment and exploring sensory contributions to balance in pediatric oncology: A scoping review.
{Author}: McCarthy E;Marchese VG;Shipper AG;Rock K;Felter C;
{Journal}: Crit Rev Oncol Hematol
{Volume}: 201
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Jun 22
{Factor}: 6.625
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104425
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To identify causes of balance impairment in children undergoing treatment for cancer and childhood cancer survivors.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A systematic search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if participants were 0-19 years of age with a current/past diagnosis of cancer, an objective balance measure was reported, and a cause of balance impairment was either stated or implied.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>The 64 full text studies included identified balance impairments as sequelae secondary to CNS tumors, and/or as an effect of medical treatment including chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery. Cancer treatment can result in damage to the visual, vestibular and/or somatosensory systems which in turn can contribute to balance dysfunction.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Balance impairments were caused by the cancer itself or the result of medical treatment. Oncology professionals are integral in recognition and treatment of factors affecting balance impairments in childhood cancer; however, further research is needed to identify interventions targeting specific causes of balance impairment.