J Cancer Surviv. 2025 Dec 8. doi: 10.1007/s11764-025-01951-w. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: With advancements in early detection and treatment improving cancer survival rates, cancer survivors face an increased risk of cardiovascular-specific morbidity and mortality. Cardiovascular telerehabilitation has been a notable tool to enhance the quality of life and manage cardiovascular disease in cancer survivors. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different telerehabilitation technologies in improving cardiovascular fitness in cancer survivors.
METHODS: This review was registered with PROSPERO under CRD420251012428 (07/05/2025). Six databases were searched, and of the 313 identified studies published between 2000 and 2025, 20 studies met the search criteria. Studies were only included if they examined the effectiveness of telerehabilitation technology on cardiovascular health and quality of life in cancer survivors.
RESULTS: Early-stage breast cancer survivors were the most frequently studied group (n = 9; 60%) with mobile or web-based applications with a remote sensor or telephone call as the most common intervention (n = 11; 55%). Regardless of the mode of intervention and exercise protocol, cardiorespiratory fitness significantly improved in ten randomized controlled trials and one observational study. Significant improvement in quality of life was also demonstrated following telerehabilitation (n = 7; 70%). The high adherence rate (74-95%), overall high patient satisfaction, and absence of serious adverse events demonstrated that the interventions are feasible for cancer survivors.
CONCLUSION: Cardio-oncology telerehabilitation was associated with improved cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life among cancer survivors despite variability in exercise protocol and intervention types. This review highlights the potential of telerehabilitation for improving cardiovascular disease management in cancer survivors.
IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Cardio-oncology telerehabilitation offers an accessible, patient-centered intervention that can improve the long-term cardiovascular outcomes of cancer survivors. To increase the certainty of the evidence, longitudinal studies are needed to assess the sustainability of cardiovascular improvements in cancer survivors.
PMID:41354726 | DOI:10.1007/s11764-025-01951-w