Influencing Factors and Interventions for Frailty in Cancer Patients: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to systematically review the factors influencing frailty in cancer patients and related interventions through a scoping review approach. It summarizes the main factors affecting frailty in cancer patients, as well as the intervention measures for cancer-related frailty and their effectiveness, providing references for clinical practice and research. Methods: Following the Joanna Briggs Institute's scoping review methodology, we systematically searched seven databases: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Sinomed and Wanfang Database for studies published up to 25 March, 2025. Data were extracted and analyzed from eligible studies that investigated frailty in cancer patients. Results: A total of 29 studies were included, covering eight different cancer types and utilizing 12 distinct frailty assessment tools. The key factors influencing frailty included demographic, physiological, psychological, and biological mechanisms, as well as treatment factors. Intervention approaches identified included exercise training, combined with traditional Chinese medicine and exercise therapy, prehabilitation interventions, nutritional management, intraoperative hypothermia interventions, and caregiver training program interventions. Conclusion: Evidence for effective interventions remains limited, and there is a lack of long-term management strategies and preoperative intervention. Future research should focus on increasing the sample size, conducting longitudinal follow-ups, refining assessment tools, and standardizing intervention protocols.

Keywords

Cancer / Frailty / Influencing factors / Interventions / Scoping review

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