UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective: To study influence of non-medicine rehabilitation (physical exercises, treatment gymnastics, psychotherapy) with mountain climate on function of some organs.

Methods: 108 children with cancer after treatment (follow up 2 – 7 years) investigated. There were performed: blood count, coagulogram, reno- and hepatography, heart, lung and psychological tests, dynamometry. All researches performed in the beginning at the National Center of Oncology (500 m. above a sea level) and after staying (30 days) at the rehabilitation center (more than 1700 m. above a sea level).

Results: About 2/3 children after treatment had various changes in functioning some organs. It was shown moderate anemia, thrombocytopenia, and decrease of lung ventilation capacity, with mixed and restrictive type of lungs abnormalities, myocardiopathy. Renal and hepatic functions had a no significant deviations, connected with intake and elimination failure. Psychological tests demonstrated phenomena neurasthenia, irritability, deterioration of memory, decrease of behavioral activity. After rehabilitation significant improvement practically of all parameters is marked. Blood test showed increase the amount erythrocytes, thrombocytes (p<0.05). Functional tests (Pirquet's) also improved. The lung function (respiratory, breathing volume, vital respiratory capacity, maximal ventilation) became normal. Also improved contractile and conductivity ability of myocardium, cardiac output and stroke volume of heart, absorbtional and excretory functions of kidneys, psychological tests. There were various complications and long-term consequences after cancer treatment in children, which require correction and rehabilitation. Mountain climate induced beneficial effect (natural mountain hypoxia stimulates and improves functions, increases reserve ability of many organs especially hemopoiesis, heart and lung), and quality of life.