4 and 5 However, studies with

randomized controlled experimental designs are scarce, the methodologies used are varied, and children with cancer are a particularly understudied group of patients. In a search performed in the Cochrane Library database using the keywords pain, massage, child, and cancer, and no other restriction criteria, only four studies were retrieved, one review study and three randomized controlled trials, which illustrates this problem. Some authors5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 have attributed to massage therapy a significant role in relieving pain; reducing stress, anxiety, depression, anger, fatigue, constipation, and blood pressure; inducing a relaxation state; improving blood circulation and lymphatic flow; increasing muscle tone and range of motion; and even benefits in recovery from injuries and psychopathological symptoms. The findings PS 341 of the few studies performed indicate the benefits of massage in inducing physiological relaxation and reducing

anxiety and pain.1, 4 and 10 However, the results are not consistent and there have been studies that indicated the absence of massage effect on these and other symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and sleep disorders.10 and 11 The experience of the use of massage in oncology is preliminary, but safe.2 It may, however, be contraindicated if the child has a fever; it is not advisable to massage irradiated sites or inflamed skin lesions, and soft gliding movements and slight pressure are required due to the bleeding risk in thrombocytopenic children.6 buy GDC-0199 The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a massage protocol PLEKHB2 implementation aimed at relieving pain in hospitalized children with cancer. This was a prospective, longitudinal, randomized, controlled, and single-blinded study, i.e., the evaluator was unaware of group distribution, which occurred in a pediatric oncology service between November of 2010 and March of 2011. This study

was approved by the Hospital Board of Directors and Ethics Committee, and was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki of the World Medical Association. Participation in the study was preceded by the informed consent given by the legal guardian of the child and/or adolescent. The study population consisted of children and adolescents aged between 10 and 18 years, diagnosed with cancer and undergoing treatment (chemotherapy, antibiotics, or steroid corticoid therapy). Children whose diagnosis was not established; critically-ill; in the first three days after surgery; in contact isolation; with fever; with risk of bleeding (platelet count less than 10,000); or with changes in consciousness level or cognitive disorders were excluded. The selection of participants was randomized into two groups (intervention and control), with a sample of 26 children per group.