The longitudinal relationship of hemoglobin, fatigue and quality of life in anemic cancer patients: results from five randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is common in cancer and has been associated with fatigue and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We report the association between hemoglobin and fatigue and the impact of reducing fatigue on several domains of HRQOL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: These analyses were based on five randomized trials. Patients completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) Anemia scales and numeric rating scales of Energy, Activity and Overall Health at baseline and after the 12-week treatment period. t-tests and linear regression models were used to evaluate associations. Analyses were stratified into three groups: solid tumor chemotherapy patients, lymphoproliferative malignancy chemotherapy patients and non-chemotherapy patients. RESULTS: Adjusted mean differences (95% CI) in FACT Fatigue change scores between hemoglobin responders (> or =2 g/dl increase) and non-responders were 3.0 (1.2, 4.7), 2.8 (0.6, 5.0) and 5.8 (2.2, 9.5) among the solid tumor, lymphoproliferative malignancy and non-chemotherapy groups, respectively. Significantly greater improvements (P <0.01) were observed in the FACT well-being scales for patients with meaningful improvement in fatigue (FACT Fatigue change score > or =3 points). After controlling for other factors, patients whose fatigue improved reported substantially greater improvements in energy, ability to perform usual activities and overall health (P <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Across five trials of cancer patients on and off chemotherapy, hemoglobin response was associated with meaningful improvements in fatigue, which, in turn, was associated with improved physical, functional, emotional and overall well-being.     

Associations among musculoskeletal impairments, depression, body image and fatigue in breast cancer survivors within the first year after treatment

The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between pressure pain thresholds, shoulder movement, mood state, pain perception, muscle endurance, quality of life and fatigue in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Fifty-nine BCS reporting fatigue were examined at 6 months post-treatment. Women completed the Piper Fatigue Scale, the Breast Cancer-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire, the Profile of Mood State, and neck-shoulder visual analogue scale. Additionally, shoulder flexion range of motion, the McQuade test (trunk flexor endurance) and pressure pain thresholds over the C5-C6 joint, the deltoid muscle, the second metacarpal and tibialis anterior muscle were assessed. Fatigue was greater in those patients with higher depression (r= 0.45, P < 0.05), higher shoulder pain (r= 0.39, P < 0.05), higher neck pain (r= 0.46, P < 0.01), lower body image (r=-0.34, P < 0.05) and reduced shoulder movement (r=-0.32, P < 0.05). Regression analyses demonstrated that depression, cervical pain intensity, body image and shoulder mobility were associated with fatigue (r= 0.55, P < 0.001). A psychological state characterised with higher depression and reduced body image and a physical impairment with higher cervical pain intensity and reduced shoulder mobility confirm multidimensional character of fatigue in BCS.     

The impact of hemoglobin levels on fatigue and quality of life in cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Although fatigue is a commonly reported symptom in cancer patients its etiology is still poorly understood. The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between hemoglobin (Hb) levels and the subjective experience of fatigue and quality of life in cancer patients with mild or no anemia undergoing chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-eight cancer patients (25 colorectal, 26 lung and 17 ovarian cancer) presently undergoing chemotherapy participated in the study. Fatigue was measured with the Multidimesional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), quality of life with The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30. In order to provide normative data for fatigue levels, the MFI-20 was also completed by a sex- and age-matched sample of 120 healthy controls. RESULTS: Compared with healthy subjects, cancer patients experienced significantly higher levels of subjective fatigue. Correlations between Hb values and subscales of the MFI-20 were moderate with a tendency to increase during chemotherapy. Hb values alone, however, do not fully account for the observed fatigue. Other symptoms, especially pain, dyspnea and sleep disturbances, also showed an association with perceived fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: Despite significant correlations, these results indicate that Hb values only partially explain subjectively experienced fatigue and quality of life in cancer patients. It is suggested therefore that the treatment of fatigue must be multidimensional and involve all areas which contribute to the syndrome.     

足量营养支持改善肿瘤化疗患者癌因性疲乏和营养状况

目的:观察足量营养支持对肿瘤化疗患者癌因性疲乏（CRF）以及营养状况改善的影响。方法:选取我院自2018年03月-2019年03月间收治的恶性肿瘤化疗患者90例作为实验对象,按照数字随机原则分成两组,对照组45例行常规营养支持,观察组45例给予足量营养支持,采用营养风险筛查工具、Piper疲乏评估量表（RPFS-CV）以及癌症患者生命质量核心量表（EORTCQLQ-C30）对两组患者营养状况、癌因性疲乏、生活质量进行评估。结果:观察组营养风险评分明显低于对照组(P＜0.05);治疗前两组患者体质量指数（BMI）、前白蛋白（PA）、血清白蛋白（ALB）差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）,治疗后观察组3项指标均显著升高,与对照组对比差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;治疗后两组情感疲乏、躯体疲乏和认知疲乏评分均显著下降,观察组降幅优于对照组（P＜0.05）;治疗后观察组EORTCQLQ-C30评分中功能领域、整体健康评分显著高于对照组,症状评分显著低于对照组（P＜0.05）。结论:肿瘤患者化疗期间采用足量营养支持能改善其营养状况,缓解癌因性疲乏等症状表现,全面提升患者的生活质量。     

Correlation Between Hemoglobin and Fatigue in Women Undergoing Adjuvant Chemotherapy Without Erythropoietin-Stimulating–Agent Support

BackgroundFatigue is a common complication of adjuvant chemotherapy and compromises the quality of life of breast cancer survivors. We sought to correlate serial hemoglobin (Hb) levels with fatigue in a population of women on adjuvant chemotherapy, none of whom received erythropoietin-stimulating agents or red blood cell transfusions.Patients and MethodsSeventy-five women participated in a study using quality-of-life questionnaires to assess changes in need for psychosocial support over time. Questionnaires were administered within 30 days of initiating adjuvant therapy and at 2, 6, and 12 months. Fatigue was assessed by the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Hemoglobin levels at each time point were captured retrospectively. Complete data are included for 40 of the 46 women who received adjuvant chemotherapy. Paired-samples t tests were conducted to compare mean SF-36 Energy/Fatigue scores between time points, and independent-samples t tests were conducted for comparisons against norms. Simple correlations (Pearson R) were conducted between SF-36 variables and Hb levels at each time point.ResultsAt 2 months, 23.4% of women had Hb < 11 g/dL compared with 12.9% at 12 months. Compared with norms for women in the general population and breast cancer survivors, these women reported worse fatigue at baseline and at 2 and 6 months. A strong linear relationship was observed between Hb at 2 months and SF-36 Energy/Fatigue scores at 12 months (r = 0.71; P = .002).ConclusionParticipants with high fatigue at 12 months had Hb levels at 2 months 13% lower than those with low fatigue. This finding suggests that chemotherapy-induced decline in Hb might be a marker of physiologic reserve.     

乳腺导管原位癌患者生活质量调查及相关因素分析

ObjectiveTo study the quality of life (QOL) of patientswith ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and to analyze the relevant factors affecting their QOL. MethodsA total of 84 patients with DCIS and 125 patients with invasive breast cancer were surveyed. Researchers used SF-36 to assess the QOL of participants at one year after operation. Some information of patients were analyzed the relationship to SF-36 score, such as age, the type of surgery, endocrine therapy, education, marital status, working status and health insurance. ResultsCompared to normal women, patients with DCIS had lower QOL in physical function (P=0.029), bodily pain (P=0.039), general health (P=0.033) and mental health (P=0.003). Patients with invasive breast cancer also had poorer QOL in physical function (P=0.002), bodily pain (P=0.002), vitality (P=0.002), general health (P=0.002) and mental health (P=0.001). QOL of DCIS patients were similar to that of invasive breast cancer patients, except that score of physical function (P=0.032) and vitality (P=0.040) were better in DCIS patients. Endocrine therapy significantly affected the score of QOL of DCIS patients. DCIS patients with endocrine therapy had poorer score in physical function (P=0.034), bodily pain (P=0.046), general health (P=0.031), vitality (P=0.042) and mental health (P=0.002). Conclusion Patients with DCIS have poor QOL at one year after operation. Endocrine therapy significantly reduces their QOL.     

促红细胞生成素在接受化疗的肿瘤患者中的临床应用

 目的 评价促红细胞生成素（epoetin alfa,EPO）对接受化疗的肿瘤患者血红蛋白（hemoglobin,Hb）、输血需求以及生存质量（quality of life,QOL）的影响。方法 将79例Hb≤12.0g/dL的恶性肿瘤患者随机分为两组：治疗组接受EPO8000U/次,皮下注射,每周3次,持续8周（EPO组）;对照组采用最佳支持治疗（best supportive care,BSC）（BSC组）。观察两组化疗期间Hb变化、输血需求、QOL及不良反应情况。结果 在整个治疗过程中EPO组的平均Hb水平保持在12.0g/dL以上,而BSC组的Hb下降。EPO组的Hb反应率为53.8%,明显好于BSC组7.5%（P〈0.0001）。EPO组和BSC组的输血需求分别为7.7%、30%（χ2=6.388,P〈0.05）。8周时,EPO组的FACT-An贫血及乏力平均分数变化分别为（2.16±12.84）、（3.58±10.52）,BSC组分别为（-4.43±13.42）、（-5.34±11.14）（P〈0.0001）。两组的不良反应相似。结论 EPO能使接受化疗的肿瘤患者保持Hb水平、减少输血需求、提高生存质量。     

Effects of Distant Reiki On Pain,Anxiety and Fatigue in Oncology Patients in Turkey: A Pilot Study

Background: Fatigue, stress and pain are common symptoms among cancer patients, affecting the quality oflife. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of distant Reiki on pain, anxiety and fatigue inoncology patients. Materials and Methods: Participants in the control group received usual medical and nursingcare during their stay. The intervention group received usual care plus five distant Reiki sessions, one eachnight for 30 min. A face to face interview was performed and patient personal and illness related characteristicswere evaluated using the Patient Characteristics form. Pain, stress and fatigue were evaluated according to anumeric rating scale. Results: The experimental group was predominantly composed of women (71.4%), marriedindividuals (40%), and primary school graduates (40%). The control group was predominantly male (72.7%),married (60%), and primary school graduates (60%). The control group demonstrated greater levels of pain(p=0.002), stress (p=0.001) and fatigue (p=0.001). The Reiki group pain score (p <0.0001), stress score (p <0.001)and fatigue score were also significantly lower. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that Reiki mayd ecreasepain, anxiety and fatigue in oncology patients     

Patients with high-risk aggressive lymphoma treated with frontline intensive chemotherapy and autografting: evidence of marked differences in outcome between patients with age-adjusted International Prognostic Index scores 2 and 3

BACKGROUND: The goal of the current study was to evaluate the impact of presentation with an age-adjusted International Prognostic Index (aaIPI) score of 2 or 3 on patients with high-risk aggressive lymphoma who are treated with frontline intensive chemotherapy and autografting. METHODS: Sixty-nine consecutive patients (median age, 40 years) with either B-cell (n = 60) or non-B-cell (n = 9) aggressive lymphoma were treated with high-dose sequential (HDS) chemotherapy and peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) autografting. The patients who were examined had poor prognoses, with aaIPI scores of 2 (n = 37) or 3 (n = 32). The original treatment regimen, sequential delivery of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and etoposide, followed by PBPC autografting (o-HDS), was used in the first 32 patients; the program was intensified by the addition of a course of high-dose cytosine arabinoside (C-HDS) in the next 37 patients. RESULTS: There were 4 toxicity-related deaths-2 in each aaIPI subgroup (treatment-related mortality, 5.8%). The complete remission rate was significantly higher among patients with an aaIPI score of 2 (n = 32 [86%]) compared with those with an aaIPI score of 3 (n = 13 [41%]; P < 0.001). Patients with an aaIPI score of 2 had significantly better outcomes than did patients with an aaIPI score of 3 in terms of both overall survival (78% vs. 34% at 8 years; P < 0.001) and event-free survival (72% vs. 28% at 8 years; P < 0.001). Similar results were observed when the analysis was limited to the 60 patients with B-cell-derived lymphoma. No significant differences in outcome between patients receiving o-HDS and patients receiving C-HDS were observed. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that an aaIPI score of 3 was the only parameter that was significantly associated with poor overall and event-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: Age-adjusted International Prognostic Index score is applicable to patients with aggressive lymphoma who are treated with frontline intensive chemotherapy and autografting. In addition, upfront use of HDS chemotherapy appears to be beneficial to patients with an aaIPI score of 2 but not to those with an aaIPI score of 3.     

≪ Regards croisés 2009 ≫: enquête menée auprès de patients atteints de cancer et de professionnels de santé sur la perception de la fatigue et de l’anémie chimio-induite

? Regards croisés ? survey was conducted in 2009 among cancer patients and health professionals to evaluate and compare their perceptions of the management of fatigue and chemotherapy-induced anemia. The 300 included patients had a diagnosis of breast, lung or colorectal cancer, or non myeloid malignant hemopathy, were undergoing ambulatory chemotherapy, and presented or had presented with anemia (Hb < 11 g/dl) during chemotherapy. All patients completed an auto questionnaire given by their physician. The 359 health professionals included were in charge of cancer patients (250 physicians: oncologists, hematologists, pneumologists, and gastroenterologists; 109 nurses) and were interviewed by phone. Fatigue was the most common symptom reported by 77% of the patients. As in previous surveys, fatigue was described as the main problem affecting daily life (37% of the cases).Regarding fatigue, health professionals’ perceptions were close to those patients. This means that the perception of professionals has changed. They are now convinced that fatigue and its causes must be considered in the management of patients undergoing chemotherapy. All results from the study will be published in following articles.     

Art therapy improved depression and influenced fatigue levels in cancer patients on chemotherapy

INTRODUCTION: Cancer patients are particularly vulnerable to depression and anxiety, with fatigue as the most prevalent symptom of those undergoing treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine whether improvement in depression, anxiety or fatigue during chemotherapy following anthroposophy art therapy intervention is substantial enough to warrant a controlled trial. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty cancer patients on chemotherapy and willing to participate in once-weekly art therapy sessions (painting with water-based paints) were accrued for the study. Nineteen patients who participated in > or =4 sessions were evaluated as the intervention group, and 41 patients who participated in < or =2 sessions comprised the participant group. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) were completed before every session, relating to the previous week. RESULTS: BFI scores were higher in the participant group (p=0.06). In the intervention group, the median HADS score for depression was 9 at the beginning and 7 after the fourth appointment (p=0.021). The median BFI score changed from 5.7 to 4.1 (p=0.24). The anxiety score was in the normal range from the beginning. CONCLUSION: Anthroposophical art therapy is worthy of further study in the treatment of cancer patients with depression or fatigue during chemotherapy treatment.     

Late medical complications and fatigue in Hodgkin's disease survivors.

PURPOSE: Long-term medical complications, such as cardiac, pulmonary, and thyroid dysfunction, are frequent among Hodgkin's disease survivors (HDSs). Chronic fatigue is also highly prevalent among HDSs. Few studies have explored possible etiologic explanations for fatigue. The aim of this study was to explore whether late cardiac, pulmonary, and thyroid complications after curative treatment for Hodgkin's disease (HD) may explain the high level of fatigue among HDSs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four-hundred fifty-nine patients treated for HD at the Norwegian Radium Hospital from 1971 to 1991 were included in a cross-sectional, follow-up study of subjective health status. Fatigue (physical [PF] and mental), was measured by the Fatigue Questionnaire. A subcohort of the HDSs (116 patients) treated from 1980 to 1988 were included in a separate study in which long-term cardiac, pulmonary, and thyroid complications were assessed. All patients had received radiotherapy, and 63 patients had received additional chemotherapy. The present study comprised 92 patients (mean age, 37 years; range, 23 to 56 years) who participated in both studies. RESULTS: HDSs with pulmonary dysfunction were more fatigued than HDSs with normal pulmonary function (PF 10.9 v 8.9; P <.05). Gas transfer impairment was the most prevalent pulmonary dysfunction, and three times as many patients with gas transfer impairment reported chronic fatigue (duration, 6 months or longer), compared with patients without pulmonary dysfunction (48% v 17%, P <.01). No associations were found between cardiac sequelae or hypothyroidism and fatigue. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary dysfunction is associated with fatigue in HDSs. Cardiac sequelae was not associated with fatigue in HDSs. We question the absence of an association between thyroid complications and fatigue.     

Hodgkin's disease survivors more fatigued than the general population.

PURPOSE: To estimate the level of fatigue and frequency of fatigue cases among Hodgkin's disease survivors (HDS) and compare them with normative data from the general population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional follow-up study was done of 557 HDS (age range, 19 to 74 years) treated at the Norwegian Radium Hospital from 1971 to 1991. The sample was approached by mail, and their data were compared with normative data from 2,214 controls (age range, 19 to 74 years) representative of the general Norwegian population. Of the 557 HDS, 459 (82%) responded. The mean age (+/- SD) at the time of study was 44+/-12 years, and the mean observation time was 12+/-6 years. The Fatigue Questionnaire (11 items) measures physical and mental fatigue. Two systems of scoring were used, dichotomized (0, 0, 1, and 1) and Likert (0, 1, 2, and 3). Total fatigue (TF) constitutes the sum of all the Likert scores. Caseness was defined as a total dichotomized score of > or =4 and fatigue that lasted 6 months or longer. RESULTS: The HDS had significantly higher levels of TF than the controls (14.3 v 12.2) (P < .001). Fatigue among the HDS equaled that of the controls in poorest health. More HDS (61%) than controls (31%) reported fatigue symptoms lasting 6 months or longer (P < .001). Fatigue cases were more frequent among HDS (men, 24%; women, 27%) than among the controls (men, 9%; women, 12%) (P < .001). Disease stage/substage IB/IIB predicted fatigue caseness (P = .03). No significant associations were found between treatment characteristics and fatigue. CONCLUSION: Hodgkin's disease survivors are considerably more fatigued than the general population and report fatigue of a substantially longer duration.     

Response predicting factors to recombinant human erythropoietin in cancer patients undergoing platinum-based chemotherapy

BACKGROUND: The response to epoetin-alpha treatment is hard to predict in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. METHODS: One hundred and seventeen patients were enrolled in this observational study. They had a hemoglobin (Hb) level less than or equal to 10.5 g/dL, were receiving platinum chemotherapy with three cycles pending, and they did not have an iron deficiency or hemolysis. Epoetin-alpha was administered subcutaneously three times a week at a dose of 150 IU/kg. Ninety patients were examined. RESULTS: Response was defined as an increase in Hb of at least 2 g/dL during the treatment period. The response rate was 63.3%. The following data were compared between responders and nonresponders at the onset of treatment and after 2 and 4 weeks of epoetin therapy: Hb, reticulocytes, serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, transferrin saturation index, and endogenous erythropoietin levels. At baseline, these variables were similar for responders and nonresponders; after 2 weeks, responders showed higher Hb (P = 0.001) and transferrin levels (P = 0.042) and reticulocyte counts (P = 0.003); after 4 weeks, only the Hb level showed a significant difference (P < 0.0005). Changes from baseline in Hb level after 2 and 4 weeks correlated significantly (P < 0.01) with response. The change in Hb level at Week 4 was the best predictor. A change in Hb level of less than 0.5 g/dL was associated with a lack of response (predictive power, 71%); a change in Hb greater than or equal to 0.5 g/dL was associated with response (predictive power, 89%). CONCLUSIONS: Response to epoetin-alpha treatment in cancer patients receiving platinum chemotherapy can be predicted from changes in Hb level after 4 weeks of therapy.     

Health-related quality of life 1 year after allogeneic or autologous stem-cell transplantation: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adults treated with high-dose chemotherapy followed by allogeneic (SCT) and autologous (ASCT) stem-cell transplantation 1 year after transplantation, using data from concurrent lymphoma patients receiving combination chemotherapy (CT) as a reference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one leukemia patients (SCT group), 51 lymphoma patients (ASCT group), and 85 CT patients completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 questionnaire at baseline and after 1 year. RESULTS: The SCT group (median age, 36 years) had better functioning scores and less symptomatology at baseline compared with the ASCT (median age, 41 years) and CT (median age, 37 years) groups. Statistically significant differences of 10 or more points on the 0 to 100 scales were found for 10 of 15 scales and items (P< or =.01) between the SCT and ASCT groups. Global quality of life (79 v 58, P<.0001), role function (83 v 65, P = .001), sleep disturbances (6 v 28, P<.0001), and fatigue (25 v 44, P = .0001) deviated most. The differences were 10 or more points for seven of 15 scales and items comparing the SCT and CT groups, with sleep disturbances (6 v 35, P<.0001) and pain (11 v 29, P<.01) deviating most. Differences across groups were smaller after 1 year; cognitive function was the only scale with a statistically significant difference (ASCT 80 v CT 89; P = .002). Patterns of change in HRQOL scores were different between groups during follow-up. A great improvement was found in the ASCT group (P<.01 for emotional and role function, fatigue, appetite, and constipation), whereas no significant changes were observed for the SCT group. CONCLUSION: Prospective studies with extended follow-up periods are necessary to separate a slow recovery process from more permanently reduced HRQOL after transplantation and to examine the late side effects from previous treatment.     

Fatigue during head-and-neck radiotherapy: prospective study on 117 consecutive patients

PURPOSE: Fatigue is an underevaluated cancer-related and treatment-related symptom. We analyzed fatigue in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT). METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 117 patients were enrolled (mean age, 58 years). Radiation therapy (median dose, 66 Gy) was given with either exclusive or postoperative intent in 52 and 65 patients, respectively. Chemotherapy (CT) was added before and/or during RT in 61 patients. The patients completed a 20-item questionnaire (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory [MFI-20]) before, during (weekly), and after RT. The impact of patient-, tumor-, and treatment-related factors on fatigue was evaluated with unifactorial and multifactorial tests. RESULTS: Fatigue level increased during RT reaching a maximum at Week 6 and then slowly decreased. In multivariate stepwise regression analysis age (inversely related, p < 0.05), psychologic disorders (p < 0.005), and previous head-and-neck surgery (inversely related, p < 0.005) were correlated with higher pre-RT fatigue level. Pre-RT fatigue score (p < 0.0001), induction and/or concomitant CT (p = 0.035), need of cortisone during RT (p = 0.005), and thyroid disorders (p = 0.032) were correlated with higher during-RT fatigue level. Pre-RT fatigue score (p < 0.0001), induction and/or concomitant CT (p < 0.001), and need of cortisone during RT (p < 0.005) were correlated with higher post-RT fatigue level. No impact of gender, performance status, comorbidities other than psychologic and thyroid, tumor stage/site, RT intent, dose, volume, duration, or toxicity was observed. CONCLUSION: Fatigue affects all patients undergoing RT for head-and-neck cancer, reaches maximum score at the 6th week of RT, and slowly decreases thereafter. Age, thyroid dysfunction, psychologic disorders, pre-RT fatigue score, CT, and cortisone use are correlated with RT-related fatigue levels.     

The relationship between psychologic distress and cancer-related fatigue

BACKGROUND: The authors examined the relationship between changes in depression and anxiety levels with changes in fatigue levels among anemic patients with lung cancer who participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of darbepoetin alfa for the treatment of anemia. METHODS: Patients completed the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) Depression and Anxiety subscales and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) Fatigue subscale during the trial. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to compare changes in the BSI scores with changes in the FACT Fatigue scores. Multiple regression models were used to explore sociodemographic and clinical explanatory variables. RESULTS: At baseline, 25% and 35% of 250 patients reported high levels (normed BSI scores >or= 65) of anxiety and depression, respectively. Correlations of changes in normed BSI Anxiety and Depression subscale scores with changes in FACT Fatigue scores had coefficients of -0.45 (P < 0.001) and -0.44 (P < 0.001), respectively. In the multiple regression models, change in the FACT Fatigue score was the only significant explanatory variable (P < 0.001). For every unit improvement in FACT Fatigue score, there was a corresponding improvement of 0.7 points and 0.8 points in anxiety and depression levels, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in fatigue were associated significantly with reductions in anxiety and depression. For patients with anemia, fatigue can be improved or reversed with darbepoetin alfa therapy. Thus, less fatigued patients also may benefit from reduced levels of anxiety and depression.     

Fatigue in people with localized colorectal cancer who do and do not receive chemotherapy: a longitudinal prospective study

BackgroundFatigue is associated with cancer and chemotherapy and may be sustained. Here, we describe a prospective longitudinal study evaluating fatigue and putative mechanisms in people with colorectal cancer (CRC).Patients and methodsPeople with localized CRC completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment-Fatigue (FACT-F) questionnaire at baseline (before chemotherapy, if given), 6, 12, and 24 months. Healthy controls (HCs) were assessed at the first three time points. Fatigue was defined by standardized FACT-F scores ≤68/100. Quality-of-life (QoL, assessed by the FACT-G questionnaire), affective, and cognitive symptoms were evaluated. Associations were sought between fatigue, baseline factors, and blood tests (including hemoglobin, cytokines, and sex hormones). Regression analyses, Fisher's exact tests, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests assessed levels of fatigue at each time point and change in fatigue from baseline. A repeated-measures analysis investigated prognostic factors of fatigue across all time points.ResultsA total of 289 subjects with localized CRC (173 received chemotherapy) and 72 HCs were assessed. More CRC patients had fatigue than HCs at baseline (52% versus 26%, P < 0.001). Fatigue was increased in the chemotherapy (CTh) group at 6 months [CTh+ 70% versus CTh- 31% (P < 0.001), HCs 22%] and remained more common at 12 [CTh+ 44% versus CTh- 31% (P = 0.079)] and 24 months [CTh+ 39% versus CTh- 24% (P = 0.047)]. There was no significant difference between those not receiving chemotherapy and HCs at follow-up assessments. Fatigue was associated with poor QoL, affective and cognitive symptoms, but not consistently with cytokine levels. Predictors for sustained fatigue were baseline fatigue, treatment group, cognitive and affective symptoms, poorer QoL, and comorbidities.ConclusionsCRC patients have more fatigue than HCs at baseline. Fatigue peaks immediately after adjuvant chemotherapy, but remains common for 2 years in those who receive chemotherapy. Cognitive and affective symptoms, QoL, comorbidities, chemotherapy, and baseline fatigue predict for longer term fatigue.     

(Pre)treatment risk factors for late fatigue and fatigue trajectories following radiotherapy for breast cancer

Fatigue is common in breast-cancer survivors. Our study assessed fatigue longitudinally in breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) and aimed to identify risk factors associated with long-term fatigue and underlying fatigue trajectories. Fatigue was measured in a prospective multicenter cohort (REQUITE) using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) and analyzed using mixed models. Multivariable logistic models identified factors associated with fatigue dimensions at 2 years post-RT and latent class growth analysis identified individual fatigue trajectories. A total of 1443, 1302, 1203 and 1098 patients completed the MFI-20 at baseline, end of RT, after 1 and 2 years. Overall, levels of fatigue significantly increased from baseline to end of RT for all fatigue dimensions (P < .05) and returned to baseline levels after 2 years. A quarter of patients were assigned to latent trajectory high (23.7%) and moderate (24.8%) fatigue classes, while 46.3% and 5.2% to the low and decreasing fatigue classes, respectively. Factors associated with multiple fatigue dimensions at 2 years include age, BMI, global health status, insomnia, pain, dyspnea and depression. Fatigue present at baseline was consistently associated with all five MFI-20 fatigue dimensions (OR_{GeneralFatigue} = 3.81, P < .001). From latent trajectory analysis, patients with a combination of factors such as pain, insomnia, depression, younger age and endocrine therapy had a particularly high risk of developing early and persistent high fatigue years after treatment. Our results confirmed the multidimensional nature of fatigue and will help clinicians identify breast cancer patients at higher risk of having persistent/late fatigue so that tailored interventions can be delivered.     

« Regards croisés 2009 » : perceptions croisées des patients atteints de cancer et des professionnels de santé sur les conséquences de la fatigue et de l’anémie chimio-induite sur la vie quotidienne

“Regards croisés 2009” survey was conducted among 300 cancer patients, 250 physicians (oncologists, hematologists, pneumologists, and gastroenterologists), and 109 nurses, in order to evaluate and compare their perceptions of the management of fatigue and chemotherapy-induced anemia. The included patients had a diagnosis of breast, lung, or colorectal cancer, or nonmyeloid malignant hemopathy, were undergoing ambulatory chemotherapy, and presented or had presented with anemia (Hb < 11 g/dl) during chemotherapy. Fatigue was the most common symptom reported by 77 % of the patients. Regarding consequences of fatigue on daily life activities, health professionals’ perceptions were close to those of patients. Health professionals were convinced that management of fatigue was a priority and they were conscious that it was difficult to do. This means that the perception of professionals has changed compared to previous surveys, where insufficient management of fatigue in cancer patients was demonstrated. Results also show that patients ignored the relation between fatigue, chemotherapy, and anemia. Information upon available treatments against anemia should therefore be increased. This is one of the main priorities identified by the three investigated populations. Others are increasing the consciousness of health professionals upon the necessary management of fatigue, and use of efficacious treatments against fatigue, easily integrated in chemotherapy cycles and daily life of the patients.