23102 - NEW METHODS OF INTEGRAL APPROACH IN THE ONCOLOGICAL PATIENT

Subject type: Optional

Coordinator: Marc Terradellas Fernández

Trimester: Third term

Credits: 4

Academic year: 2025

Teaching course: 4

• Catalan

Oncological physiotherapy is a specialty that aims to preserve, maintain, develop and restore kinetic-functional systems, as well as prevent, improve and treat the sequelae derived from the oncological process. Its field of action addresses individual and/or group treatments by specialized physiotherapists. This subject aims to achieve the necessary skills that a physiotherapist must have to be able to address one of the most common diseases that has the greatest impact on the healthcare system. More and more, the oncological patient receives transdisciplinary treatment that not only falls to the doctor and the nurse, but also the psycho-oncologist, social worker, associations, etc. and in the physiotherapist.

Physiotherapy is taking a leading role in this multidisciplinary treatment, and not only in the post-surgical treatment but in the prehabilitation, before the surgical intervention, increasingly present in the different hospitals of the health system where they are training and looking for qualified professionals to execute these tasks. During coadjuvant treatment such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy etc. that cause its side effects, the physiotherapist also accompanies the patient to improve possible fibrosis, contractures, fatigue, mobility, dyspnea, neuropathies, pain, functional capacity, etc... In addition, once the patients have finished the treatments, the physiotherapist continues to promote healthy habits and the prescription of physical exercise as aspects with more scientific evidence both in survival and in improving the quality of life. For this reason, physiotherapists must be trained to have an understanding of the different natural histories of the most prevalent cancers in our population, the basic principles that must be included in a prehabilitation program as well as the development of decongestive therapy of the 'edema used in one of the main chronic adverse effects such as lymphedema. Therefore, the physiotherapist provides assistance from the moment of diagnosis, avoiding comorbidities of the same treatment, throughout the process minimizing the possible sequelae as much as possible and until throughout their whole life they are already survivors, improving the quality of life as the main objective.

The distribution of the theoretical and/or practical content of the subject can be consulted in the schedule and sections of the corresponding virtual classroom before it starts. 

This subject aims to introduce the gender perspective in its content and development. In addition, the objectives are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda of the United Nations.

The classroom (physical or virtual) is a safe space, free of sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic and discriminatory attitudes, either towards students or towards teachers. We trust that together we can create a safe space where we can make mistakes and learn without having to suffer prejudice from others.
 

Part 1. Definition of the concept of cancer. What it is and how it develops.

Epidemiology of cancer Information on types of cancer and sequelae.

Introduction to Oncological Physiotherapy.

Definitions, objectives, epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, treatments, classification

Part 2. Comprehensive assessment scales for the person with cancer. Assessment of physiotherapy in the oncological patient.

Part 3: The role of the physiotherapist in the field of oncology. Pre-qualification. Indications and contraindications.

Part 4. Pelvic floor and oncology

Part 5. Oncopediatrics. Oncopediatric physiotherapy.

Part 6. Anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system

Part 7. Approach and comprehensive treatment of veno-lymphatic disorders. Decongestant therapy of edema

Part 8. Integrative physiotherapy in oncology

Part 9. Fascial system in oncology

Part 10. Palliative care

Part 11. Psychology in the field of oncology

Part 12. Physical exercise in oncology

The final assessment can be weighted according to the following assessment systems:

Participation in classroom activities will always be evaluated when class attendance is at least 80%. If this minimum is not reached, the subject's grade will be "Not presented" and you will not be entitled to recovery.

A system of quantitative (from 0 to 10) and qualitative (suspended, approved, notable, excellent, honorary registration) is used according to RD 1125/2003.

The subjects will have evaluation and recovery activities in accordance with the teaching guide and the subject's learning plan, published in their virtual classroom and which will establish the necessary requirements to be able to participate.

In accordance with current UPF regulations, all students who, having participated in the learning and assessment activities during the term, have obtained a failing grade for the corresponding subject in the quarterly assessment may participate in the recovery process . Those who have not participated in the learning and assessment activities or who have waived the assessment will not be able to participate. If the grade is "not submitted", you will not be able to opt for recovery and therefore the subject will have to be taken again in its entirety in the following academic year.

Any form of academic fraud will be sanctioned in accordance with the school's assessment regulations. If signs of fraud are detected, including the improper use of generative artificial intelligence tools, the subject's teaching staff may
call the student for an individual interview with the aim of verifying their authorship. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in this subject is regulated in the Learning Plan. It must be consulted to find out the specific conditions of use.

Cruz-Hernández, J. — Rodríguez, C. — Del Barco, E. — Fonseca, E. Clinical Oncology. Publisher ELSEVIER. 2017

SESMI (Spanish Society of Health and Integrative Medicine) Integrative Oncology. Basic and clinical manual. Editorial Medica Panamericana SA 2019

https://seom.org/prensa/el-cancer-en-cifras

Francisco Javier Castillo Montes. Physiotherapy in oncological processes. Formación Alcala SL 2018