Symptom clusters in patients receiving chemotherapy: A systematic review

Background and purpose Since 2001, symptom cluster research has grown considerably. However, because multiple methodological considerations remain, ongoing synthesis of the literature is needed to identify gaps in this area of symptom science. This systematic review evaluated the progress in symptom clusters research in adults receiving primary or adjuvant chemotherapy since 2016. Methods Eligible studies were published in English between 1 January 2017 and 17 May 2021; evaluated for and identified symptom clusters 'de novo;' and included only adults being treated with primary or adjuvant chemotherapy. Studies were excluded if patients had advanced cancer or were receiving palliative chemotherapy; symptoms were measured after treatment; symptom clusters were pre-specified or a patient-centred analytic approach was used. For each study, symptom instrument(s); statistical methods and symptom dimension(s) used to create the clusters; whether symptoms were allowed to load on more than one factor; method used to assess for stability of symptom clusters and associations with secondary outcomes and biomarkers were extracted. Results Twenty-three studies were included. Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale was the most common instrument and exploratory factor analysis was the most common statistical method used to identify symptom clusters. Psychological, gastrointestinal, and nutritional clusters were the most commonly identified clusters. Only the psychological cluster remained relatively stable over time. Only five studies evaluated for secondary outcomes. Discussion While symptom cluster research has evolved, clear criteria to evaluate the stability of symptom clusters and standardised nomenclature for naming clusters are needed. Additional research is needed to evaluate the biological mechanism(s) for symptom clusters. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021240216.

Automated summary

This systematic review evaluated the progress in symptom clusters research in adults receiving primary or adjuvant chemotherapy since 2016, including 23 studies. Psychological, gastrointestinal, and nutritional clusters were the most commonly identified clusters, with only the psychological cluster remaining relatively stable over time. The study suggests the need for clear criteria to evaluate the stability of symptom clusters, standardized nomenclature for naming clusters, and additional research on the biological mechanisms for symptom clusters.