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Shih YW, Su JY, Kung YS, Lin YH, To Anh DT, Ridwan ES, Tsai HT. Effectiveness of Acupuncture in Relieving Chemotherapy-induced Leukopenia in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review With A Meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis. Integr Cancer Ther 2021; 20:15347354211063884. [PMID: 34930039 PMCID: PMC8728772 DOI: 10.1177/15347354211063884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers and a major cause of death in
women worldwide. Chemotherapy is mainly used to treat and control the
progression of breast cancer. Leukopenia is the most common side effect of
chemotherapy which may decrease immune function and further lead to serious
fatal infections. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of
acupuncture on regulating hematopoietic function in chemotherapy-induced
leukopenia among patients with breast cancer. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, and Chinese
articles in the Airiti Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure
(CNKI) databases were searched to August 2021 for papers to include in a
systematic review and meta-analysis. A random-effects model was applied. The
effect size was calculated by Hedges’ g. Heterogeneity was determined using
Cochran’s Q test. Moderator analyses were performed to examine potential
sources of heterogeneity. A trial sequential analysis (TSA) was conducted to
determine whether the current sample size was sufficient. Results: Ten randomized controlled trials involving 650 participants were eligible for
inclusion. Analysis by the random-effects model showed a significant effect
by acupuncture of ameliorating leukopenia during chemotherapy. Levels of
white blood cells (WBCs) were increased (Hedges’ g = 0.70,
P < .001, I2 = 34%),
neutrophil counts (Hedges’ g = 0.80, P < .001,
I2 = 0%) were significantly enhanced.
Moreover, regardless of the manner through which acupuncture was applied,
overall values of WBCs increased. Conclusions: The current meta-analysis supports acupuncture possibly ameliorating
chemotherapy-induced leukopenia, as WBC and neutrophil values significantly
increased after acupuncture in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Additionally, regardless of the type of acupuncture, values of WBCs
increased. These findings are actionable and support both the clinical use
of acupuncture to relieve chemotherapy-induced leukopenia and further
research regarding the use of acupuncture in patients experiencing
immunosuppression when undergoing chemotherapy. Trial Registration: PROSPERO-CRD42020215759.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Wen Shih
- School of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan.,Post-Baccalaureate Program in Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jui Yuan Su
- Department of Nursing, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Nursing, College of Nursing, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu Shan Kung
- Department of Nursing, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu Huei Lin
- Post-Baccalaureate Program in Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Duong Thi To Anh
- Personnel Department, Thai Nguyen Medical College, Thai Nguyen, Viet Nam
| | - Edi Sampurno Ridwan
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Alma Ata, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Hsiu Ting Tsai
- Post-Baccalaureate Program in Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Nursing, College of Nursing, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Tack L, Lefebvre T, Blieck V, Cool L, Pottel H, Eygen KV, Derijcke S, Vergauwe P, Schofield P, Chandler R, Lane P, Boterberg T, Debruyne PR. Acupuncture as a Complementary Therapy for Cancer Care: Acceptability and Preferences of Patients and Informal Caregivers. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2021; 14:67-74. [DOI: 10.51507/j.jams.2021.14.2.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tack
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kortrijk Cancer Centre, General Hospital Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tessa Lefebvre
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kortrijk Cancer Centre, General Hospital Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Virginie Blieck
- College for Traditional Chinese Medicine & Karel de Grote University College, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lieselot Cool
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kortrijk Cancer Centre, General Hospital Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Hans Pottel
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care at Kulak, Catholic University Leuven Kulak, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Koen Van Eygen
- Department of Haematology, Cancer Centre, General Hospital Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Sofie Derijcke
- Department of Pneumology, General Hospital Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Philippe Vergauwe
- Department of Gastro-Enterology, General Hospital Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | | | - Rebecca Chandler
- Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
| | - Pauline Lane
- Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Boterberg
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Philip R. Debruyne
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kortrijk Cancer Centre, General Hospital Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium
- School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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3
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Grant SJ, Kwon K, Naehrig D, Asher R, Lacey J. Characteristics and Symptom Burden of Patients Accessing Acupuncture Services at a Cancer Hospital. Integr Cancer Ther 2021; 20:15347354211002253. [PMID: 33840252 PMCID: PMC8044564 DOI: 10.1177/15347354211002253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with cancer are often impacted by a significant symptom burden. Cancer hospitals increasingly recognize the value of complementary and integrative therapies to support the management of cancer related symptoms. The aim of this study is to provide a better understanding of the demographic characteristics and symptoms experienced by cancer patients who access acupuncture services in a tertiary hospital in Australia. METHODS A retrospective audit was conducted of patients that presented to the acupuncture service at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse between July 2017 and December 2018. Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCaW) outcome measures were used. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Principal Component Analysis. RESULTS A total of 127 inpatients and outpatients (mean age 55, range 19-85) were included with 441 individual surveys completed (264 ESAS, 177 MYCaW). Patients were predominantly female (76.8%) and breast cancer was the most prevalent primary diagnosis (48%). The most prevalent symptoms in the ESAS were sleep problems (88.6%), fatigue (88.3%), lack of wellbeing (88.1%), and memory difficulty (82.6%). Similarly, symptoms with the highest mean scores were numbness, fatigue, sleep problems and hot flushes, whilst neuropathy, and hot flashes were scored as the most severe (score ≥7) by patients. Cluster analysis yielded 3 symptom clusters, 2 included "physical symptoms" (pain, sleep problems, fatigue and numbness/neuropathy), and (nausea, appetite, general well-being), whilst the third included "psychological" symptoms (anxiety, depression, spiritual pain, financial distress). The most frequent concerns expressed by patients (MyCaW) seeking acupuncture were side effects of chemotherapy (24.6%) and pain (20.8%). CONCLUSION This audit highlights the most prevalent symptoms, the symptoms with the greatest burden and the types of patients that receive acupuncture services at an Australian tertiary hospital setting. The findings of this audit provide direction for future acupuncture practices and research in hospital settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne J. Grant
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, NSW, Australia
- Chris O’Brien Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Ki Kwon
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, NSW, Australia
| | - Diana Naehrig
- Chris O’Brien Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rebecca Asher
- National Health Medical Research Council, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Judith Lacey
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, NSW, Australia
- Chris O’Brien Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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4
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Effects of acupuncture on breast cancer-related lymphoedema: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Explore (NY) 2020; 16:97-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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5
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von Trott P, Oei SL, Ramsenthaler C. Acupuncture for Breathlessness in Advanced Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 59:327-338.e3. [PMID: 31539602 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Nonpharmacological approaches are effective strategies for difficult to palliate breathlessness. Although acupuncture is effective for dyspnea in early-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), little is known about its effects in patients with advanced (non)malignant diseases. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to identify and examine the evidence of acupuncture on breathlessness in advanced malignant and nonmalignant diseases. METHODS Systematic literature review of randomized controlled trials of acupuncture and acupressure searched in five databases. Included were adult participants with at least 25% having advanced diseases such as cancer or COPD with severe breathlessness. Primary outcome was severity of dyspnea on Visual Analogue Scale or Borg Scale. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, function, and acceptability. Data were pooled using a random effects model of standardized mean differences. RESULTS Twelve studies with 597 patients (347 COPD, 190 advanced cancer) were included. For breathlessness severity, significant differences were obtained in a meta-analysis (10 studies with 480 patients; standardized mean difference (SMD) = -1.77 [95% CI -3.05, -0.49; P = 0.007; I2 = 90%]) and in a subgroup analysis of using sham acupuncture control groups and a treatment duration of at least three weeks (6 studies with 302 patients; SMD = -2.53 [95% CI -4.07, -0.99; P = 0.001; I2 = 91%]). Exercise tolerance (6-minute walk test) improved significantly in the acupuncture group (6 studies with 287 patients; SMD = 0.93 [95% CI 0.27, 1.59; P = 0.006; I2 = 85%]). In four of six studies, quality of life improved in the acupuncture group. CONCLUSION Acupuncture improved breathlessness severity in patients with advanced diseases. The methodological heterogeneity, low power, and potential morphine-sparing effects of acupuncture as add-on should be further addressed in future trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp von Trott
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, London, UK; Havelhoehe Hospital, Berlin, Germany.
| | | | - Christina Ramsenthaler
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, London, UK
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Wang Z, Li S, Wu L, Qi Q, Liu H, Jin X, Tian J, Zhang M, Ma X, Sun D, Xu S, Wu H. Effect of acupuncture on lung cancer-related fatigue: study protocol for a multi-center randomized controlled trial. Trials 2019; 20:625. [PMID: 31706345 PMCID: PMC6842537 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3701-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatigue is one of the primary symptoms in lung cancer, with a prevalence of 88.0% in survivors of cancer, and an even higher prevalence post resection surgery. Effective fatigue control after lung cancer surgery is important for patient recovery and quality of life. Some studies have shown that acupuncture might be effective in treating cancer-related fatigue; however, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of suitable sample size are limited. METHOD/DESIGN This is a multi-center, patient-blinded RCT. A total of 320 eligible patients will be recruited in four centers and randomly assigned to either the acupuncture group or the sham acupuncture group in a 1:1 ratio. Treatment will be given twice per week for 12 sessions. Treatment will be given at acupoints GV20, GV29, CV12, CV6, CV4, and bilateral LI4, LR3, SP6, ST36. The primary outcome will be assessed using the Chinese version of The Brief Fatigue Inventory. The secondary outcomes will be measured using The European Organization for Research and The Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. The primary outcome will be assessed at all main points (baseline, the 3rd week, the 6th week, and at follow up time points) and the secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline and the 6th week. Intention-to-treat analysis will be used in this RCT. DISCUSSION This trial protocol provides an example of the clinical application acupuncture treatment in the management of lung cancer-related fatigue. If the acupuncture treatment protocol confirms that acupuncture is an effective and safe option for lung cancer-related fatigue, it can be adopted as a standardized treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900022831. Registered on 27 April 2019. URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=37823.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoqin Wang
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437 China
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071 China
| | - Luyi Wu
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Qin Qi
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437 China
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Huirong Liu
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Xiaoming Jin
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute & Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
| | - Jianhui Tian
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Xiaopeng Ma
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Deli Sun
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Shifen Xu
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071 China
| | - Huangan Wu
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200030 China
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Abstract
PURPOSE Approximately 20% of breast cancer survivors develop breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), and current therapies are limited. We compared acupuncture (AC) to usual care wait-list control (WL) for treatment of persistent BCRL. METHODS Women with moderate BCRL lasting greater than six months were randomized to AC or WL. AC included twice weekly manual acupuncture over six weeks. We evaluated the difference in circumference and bioimpedance between affected and unaffected arms. Responders were defined as having a decrease in arm circumference difference greater than 30% from baseline. We used analysis of covariance for circumference and bioimpedance measurements and Fisher's exact to determine the proportion of responders. RESULTS Among 82 patients, 73 (89%) were evaluable for the primary endpoint (36 in AC, 37 in WL). 79 (96%) patients received lymphedema treatment before enrolling in our study; 67 (82%) underwent ongoing treatment during the trial. We found no significant difference between groups for arm circumference difference (0.38 cm greater reduction in AC vs. WL, 95% CI - 0.12 to 0.89, p = 0.14) or bioimpedance difference (1.06 greater reduction in AC vs. WL, 95% CI - 5.72 to 7.85, p = 0.8). There was also no difference in the proportion of responders: 17% AC versus 11% WL (6% difference, 95% CI - 10 to 22%, p = 0.5). No severe adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS Our acupuncture protocol appeared to be safe and well tolerated. However, it did not significantly reduce BCRL in pretreated patients receiving concurrent lymphedema treatment. This regimen does not improve upon conventional lymphedema treatment for breast cancer survivors with persistent BCRL.
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8
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Lu Z, Moody J, Marx BL, Hammerstrom T. Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Integrative Oncology: A Survey of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Practitioners. J Altern Complement Med 2017; 23:964-970. [DOI: 10.1089/acm.2017.0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoxue Lu
- Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, Portland, OR
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9
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Cheng CS, Chen LY, Ning ZY, Zhang CY, Chen H, Chen Z, Zhu XY, Xie J. Acupuncture for cancer-related fatigue in lung cancer patients: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial. Support Care Cancer 2017; 25:3807-3814. [PMID: 28707168 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-017-3812-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a distressing symptom that is the most common unpleasant side effect experienced by lung cancer patients and is challenging for clinical care workers to manage. METHODS We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial to evaluate the clinical effect of acupuncture on CRF in lung cancer patients. Twenty-eight patients presenting with CRF were randomly assigned to active acupuncture or placebo acupuncture groups to receive acupoint stimulation (LI-4, Ren-6, St-36, KI-3, and Sp-6) twice per week for 4 weeks, followed by 2 weeks of follow-up. The primary outcome was the change in intensity of CFR based on the Chinese version of the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI-C). As the secondary endpoint, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung Cancer Subscale (FACT-LCS) was adopted to assess the influence of acupuncture on patients' quality of life (QOL). Adverse events and safety of treatments were monitored throughout the trial. RESULTS Our pilot study demonstrated feasibility among patients with appropriate inclusion criteria and good compliance with acupuncture treatment. A significant reduction in the BFI-C score was observed at 2 weeks in the 14 participants who received active acupuncture compared with those receiving the placebo (P < 0.01). At week 6, symptoms further improved according to the BFI-C (P < 0.001) and the FACT-LCS (P = 0.002). There were no significant differences in the incidence of adverse events in either group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Fatigue is a common symptom experienced by lung cancer patients. Acupuncture may be a safe and feasible optional method for adjunctive treatment in cancer palliative care, and appropriately powered trials are warranted to evaluate the effects of acupuncture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Shan Cheng
- Deparment of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lian-Yu Chen
- Deparment of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhou-Yu Ning
- Deparment of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chen-Yue Zhang
- Deparment of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Deparment of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Deparment of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Zhu
- Deparment of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Jing Xie
- Deparment of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Carnio S, Di Stefano RF, Novello S. Fatigue in lung cancer patients: symptom burden and management of challenges. LUNG CANCER (AUCKLAND, N.Z.) 2016; 7:73-82. [PMID: 28210163 PMCID: PMC5310693 DOI: 10.2147/lctt.s85334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) remains the most common cause of cancer death in several countries across the world. Fatigue is the most frequently reported symptom in LC patients throughout the entire course of disease, and all international guidelines recommend early screening for cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and symptoms that can affect patients' quality of life. In patients with LC, fatigue belongs to the symptom cluster of pain, depression, and insomnia, which are commonly observed simultaneously, but are typically treated as separate although they may have common biological mechanisms. The treatment of CRF remains one of the difficult areas in the oncology field: scarce evidence supports pharmacological therapies, while some interesting data arising indicates alternative remedies and physical exercise seem to be one of the most effective approaches for CRF at any stage of LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Carnio
- Oncology Department, University of Turin, AOU San Luigi, Orbassano, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Novello
- Oncology Department, University of Turin, AOU San Luigi, Orbassano, Italy
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