Functional outcome following rehabilitation of the cancer patient.

OBJECTIVE: To identify impairments resulting from cancer or its treatment in patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation, to assess the extent of functional gains, and to determine if cancer type, ongoing radiation treatment, or the presence of metastatic disease influences functional improvement.

DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective, case series of cancer patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation at a free-standing, university-affiliated rehabilitation hospital.

PARTICIPANTS: A referred sample of 159 patients admitted because of functional impairments resulting from cancer or its treatment during a 2-year time period.

INTERVENTION: Comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Functional status as measured by the motor score of the Functional Independence Measure.

RESULTS: Significant functional gains were made between admission (mean = 42.9) and discharge (mean = 56.0; p < .001), with all cancer subgroups making similar gains. The presence of metastatic disease did not influence functional outcome, and those patients receiving radiation actually made larger functional improvements (p = .025).

CONCLUSION: Individuals impaired by cancer or its treatment benefit from inpatient rehabilitation. The presence of metastatic disease or ongoing radiation should not preclude participation.