Cancer-Related Fatigue

Abstract

Fatigue is a common symptom in patients with cancer and is nearly universal in those undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplantation, or treatment with biologic response modifiers. The problem, which affects 70% to 100% of cancer patients, has been exacerbated by the increased use of fatigue-inducing multimodal treatments and dose-dense, dose-intense protocols. In patients with metastatic disease, the prevalence of cancer-related fatigue exceeds 75%, and cancer survivors report that fatigue is a disruptive symptom months or even years after treatment ends. Patients perceive fatigue to be the most distressing symptom associated with cancer and its treatment, more distressing even than pain or nausea and vomiting, which, for most patients, can generally be managed with medications. For the most recent version of the guidelines, please visit NCCN.org