Non‐Pharmacological Interventions for Cough in Patients With Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

ABSTRACT

Background

Cough, a prevalent and debilitating symptom of lung cancer, remains poorly managed. Accumulating evidence on non-pharmacological interventions for lung cancer cough necessitates systematic evaluation to assess their efficacy.

Aim

To synthesise evidence on non-pharmacological interventions for managing cough in lung cancer patients.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guideline.

Methods

Nine databases were searched from inception to December 2024 to identify randomised controlled trials. Study quality was appraised using the Revised Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool for Randomised Trials. Meta-analyses were performed for quantitative synthesis, with sources of heterogeneity examined using meta-regression and subgroup analyses.

Results

Thirty-eight studies representing 2995 lung cancer patients were identified. These studies investigated acupuncture therapy, moxibustion, pulmonary rehabilitation, self-management intervention, physical exercises, psychoeducation support, mindfulness, and multicomponent interventions. Non-pharmacological interventions showed positive effects on cough severity and cough-related quality of life. Additional benefits were observed for expectoration, dyspnea, and general quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation showed a greater effect on cough severity than other non-pharmacological interventions.

Conclusion

Non-pharmacological interventions are promising in improving cough, expectoration, dyspnea, and general quality of life among lung cancer patients. Pulmonary rehabilitation showed the most promising effect. Future research should adopt objective cough measures in addition to self-reported measures.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Non-pharmacological interventions demonstrated potential effects in relieving cough and additional benefits in improving expectoration, dyspnea, and general quality of life among lung cancer patients. Healthcare professionals may adopt pulmonary rehabilitation for cough and related symptoms in lung cancer patients.

Impact

As the first meta-analysis addressing non-pharmacological interventions for lung cancer cough, this study provides evidence supporting their clinical efficacy for improving cough and associated symptoms among patients with lung cancer.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or Public contribution.

Registration

PROSPERO CRD42024588729.