Aiming for a Better Understanding and Management of Cancer‐Related Fatigue

• Published in: The oncologist (Dayton, Ohio) Vol. 18; no. 10; pp. 1135 - 1143
• Main Authors: Neefjes, Elisabeth C.W., Vorst, Maurice J.D.L., Blauwhoff‐Buskermolen, Susanne, Verheul, Henk M.W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Durham, NC, USA AlphaMed Press 01.10.2013
• Subjects: Drug therapy; Fatigue; Fatigue - etiology; Fatigue - genetics; Fatigue - pathology; Humans; Methylphenidate; Modafinil; Neoplasms; Neoplasms - complications; Neoplasms - genetics; Neoplasms - pathology; Quality of Life; Questionnaires; Symptom Management and Supportive Care; Fatigue; Modafinil; Drug therapy; Methylphenidate; Neoplasms; Questionnaires
• ISSN: 1083-7159; 1549-490X
• DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2013-0076

Cancer‐related fatigue (CRF) is a serious symptom of patients with cancer and deteriorates their daily quality of life. Whereas fatigue is a common problem in the general population, with a prevalence of about 30%, up to 99% of patients with cancer have fatigue of more intense severity. CRF is directly related to the biology of cancer, but it can also be caused by anticancer treatment. We reviewed current evidence about the potential pathophysiological mechanisms causing CRF. Clinical methods to determine the presence and severity of CRF and potential treatment options to reduce CRF will be discussed. After reading this review, the reader will have knowledge of the current understanding of CRF and will be able to give evidence‐based advice to patients with CRF. 摘要 癌因性疲乏 (CRF) 是癌症患者的一种严重症状，可降低他们的日常生活质量。虽然疲乏也是普通人群的常见问题，罹患率约为 30%，但是它在癌症患者中的罹患率高达 99%，且严重性更高。CRF 与癌症的生物学特性直接相关，但是它也可以由抗癌治疗引发。我们对引起 CRF 潜在病理生理发病机制的现有证据进行了回顾总结。我们还会探讨确定 CRF 是否存在及其严重程度的临床方法以及减轻 CRF 的潜在治疗方案。阅读本综述后，读者将会对 CRF 有一个最新认识，并能够为存在 CRF 的患者提供循证性建议。The Oncologist 2013;18:1135–1143 Cancer‐related fatigue (CRF) is a serious symptom of patients with cancer and deteriorates their daily quality of life. CRF is directly related to the biology of cancer, but it can also be caused by anticancer treatment. This article discusses clinical methods to determine the presence and severity of cancer‐related fatigue and potential treatment options to reduce it.