Management Of Cancer-related Fatigue Research Articles

Shenqi Fuzheng injection facilitates skeletal muscle mitophagy mediated by the ubiquitination of HIF-1α to ameliorate cancer-associated fatigue.

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) significantly impacts the quality of life of cancer patients. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Shenqi Fuzheng injection (SFI) in managing CRF, focusing on its mechanistic action in skeletal muscle. We utilized a CRF mouse model to examine the effects of SFI on physical endurance, monitoring activity levels, swimming times and rest periods. Proteomic analysis of the gastrocnemius muscle was performed using isobaric tags and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to map the muscle proteome changes post-SFI treatment. Mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle was assessed via ATP bioluminescence assay. Furthermore, the regulatory role of the hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF-1α) signalling pathway in mediating SFI's effects was explored through western blotting. In CRF-induced C2C12 myoblasts, we evaluated cell viability (CCK-8 assay), apoptosis (flow cytometry) and mitophagy (electron microscopy). The study also employed pulldown, luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying SFI's action, particularly focusing on the transcriptional regulation of PINK1 through HIF-1α binding at the PINK1 promoter region. Our findings reveal that SFI enhances physical mobility, reduces fatigue symptoms and exerts protective effects on skeletal muscles by mitigating mitochondrial damage and augmenting antioxidative responses. SFI promotes cell viability and induces mitophagy while decreasing apoptosis, primarily through the modulation of HIF-1α, PINK1 and p62 proteins. These results underscore SFI's efficacy in enhancing mitochondrial autophagy, thereby offering a promising approach for ameliorating CRF. The study not only provides insight into SFI's potential therapeutic mechanisms but also establishes a foundation for further exploration of SFI interventions in CRF management.

Management of Fatigue in Adult Survivors of Cancer: ASCO-Society for Integrative Oncology Guideline Update.

To update the ASCO guideline on the management of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in adult survivors of cancer. A multidisciplinary panel of medical oncology, geriatric oncology, internal medicine, psychology, psychiatry, exercise oncology, integrative medicine, behavioral oncology, nursing, and advocacy experts was convened. Guideline development involved a systematic literature review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in 2013-2023. The evidence base consisted of 113 RCTs. Exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based programs led to improvements in CRF both during and after the completion of cancer treatment. Tai chi, qigong, and American ginseng showed benefits during treatment, whereas yoga, acupressure, and moxibustion helped to manage CRF after completion of treatment. Use of other dietary supplements did not improve CRF during or after cancer treatment. In patients at the end of life, CBT and corticosteroids showed benefits. Certainty and quality of evidence were low to moderate for CRF management interventions. Clinicians should recommend exercise, CBT, mindfulness-based programs, and tai chi or qigong to reduce the severity of fatigue during cancer treatment. Psychoeducation and American ginseng may be recommended in adults undergoing cancer treatment. For survivors after completion of treatment, clinicians should recommend exercise, CBT, and mindfulness-based programs; in particular, CBT and mindfulness-based programs have shown efficacy for managing moderate to severe fatigue after treatment. Yoga, acupressure, and moxibustion may also be recommended. Patients at the end of life may be offered CBT and corticosteroids. Clinicians should not recommend L-carnitine, antidepressants, wakefulness agents, or routinely recommend psychostimulants to manage symptoms of CRF. There is insufficient evidence to make recommendations for or against other psychosocial, integrative, or pharmacological interventions for the management of fatigue.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/survivorship-guidelines.

A phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Nuvastatic (C50SEW505OESA), a standardized rosmarinic acid-rich polymolecular botanical extract formulation to reduce cancer-related fatigue in patients with solid tumors.

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of Nuvastatic™ (C5OSEW5050ESA)in improving cancer-related fatigue (CRF) among cancer patients. This multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled phase 2 trial included 110 solid malignant tumor patients (stage II-IV) undergoing chemotherapy. They were randomly selected and provided oral Nuvastatic™ 1000mg (N = 56) or placebo (N = 54) thrice daily for 9weeks. The primary outcomes were fatigue (Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI)) and Visual Analog Scale for Fatigue (VAS-F)) scores measured before and after intervention at baseline and weeks 3, 6, and 9. The secondary outcomes were mean group difference in the vitality subscale of the Medical Outcome Scale Short Form-36 (SF-36) and urinary F2-isoprostane concentration (an oxidative stress biomarker), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scores, adverse events, and biochemical and hematologic parameters. Analysis was performed by intention-to-treat (ITT). Primary and secondary outcomes were assessed by two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (mixed ANOVA). The Nuvastatic™ group exhibited an overall decreased fatigue score compared with the placebo group. Compared with the placebo group, the Nuvastatic™ group significantly reduced BFI-fatigue (BFI fatigue score, F (1.4, 147) = 16.554, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.333). The Nuvastatic™ group significantly reduced VAS-F fatigue (F (2, 210) = 9.534, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.083), improved quality of life (QoL) (F (1.2, 127.48) = 34.07, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.243), and lowered urinary F2-IsoP concentrations (mean difference (95% CI) = 55.57 (24.84, 86.30)), t (55) = 3.624, p < 0.001, Cohen's d (95% CI) = 0.48 (0.20, 0.75)). Reported adverse events were vomiting (0.9%), fever (5.4%), and headache (2.7%). Nuvastatic™ is potentially an effective adjuvant for CRF management in solid tumor patients and worthy of further investigation in larger trials. ClinicalTrial.gov ID: NCT04546607. Study registration date (first submitted): 11-05-2020.

The Impact of Yoga on Cancer Survivorship: A Scoping Review

Background: As cancer survival rates improve, survivors face numerous physical and psychological challenges. Yoga, an ancient practice integrating physical, mental, and spiritual health, has shown potential in alleviating cancer treatment-related symptoms and enhancing overall health. Methods: This scoping review conducted a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases, focusing on randomized trials that assessed yoga’s effects on cancer survivors post-treatment. The review spanned studies published between 2018 and 2022, emphasizing physical and psychosocial benefits. Results: Eight randomized trials were identified, demonstrating yoga’s diverse benefits across physical and psychological dimensions. Significant findings include reductions in depression, improvements in shoulder mobility, pain, and anxiety, management of cancer-related fatigue, sleep quality, and modulation of inflammatory cytokine profiles, suggesting holistic benefits in managing cancer side effects. Conclusion: Yoga presents a holistic, low-risk intervention that significantly improves quality of life, manages fatigue, and supports psychological well-being in cancer survivors. Future research should investigate yoga’s therapeutic potential and develop personalized interventions for survivors’ recovery and long-term well-being.

The Effect of Psychoeducational Interventions on Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies.

Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of cancer patients. Psychoeducation is often used in the management of cancer-related fatigue. The aim of this study was to synthesize the effects of psychoeducational interventions on cancer-related fatigue. This article is a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies. The 11 electronic databases were searched, and studies using psychoeducational interventions to manage cancer-related fatigue were included. Data synthesis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software version 3.0. The random-effects model was used to pool the effect size for intervention. The subgroup analysis was conducted to investigate the effect of the characteristics of psychoeducational interventions. This study was reported according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Intervention version 6.3 and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. This analysis included 10 studies with a total of 1369 participants. Most of the included studies compared the psychoeducational intervention group with the passive control group. Our meta-analysis revealed that psychoeducational intervention has a positive medium effect on improving cancer-related fatigue with a low quality of evidence. Subgroup analyses indicated no difference between group and individual interventions, between face-to-face and digital interventions, or between ≤3 and >3 sessions. Psychoeducational interventions can improve cancer-related fatigue. Additional well-designed randomized controlled studies are needed to upgrade the quality of evidence for psychoeducational interventions on cancer-related fatigue. Nurses may practice psychoeducational interventions to manage cancer-related fatigue and may use this study design for randomized controlled studies for psychoeducational interventions on cancer-related fatigue.

Multidimensional Predictors of Cancer-Related Fatigue Based on the Predisposing, Precipitating, and Perpetuating (3P) Model: A Systematic Review.

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a widespread symptom with high prevalence in cancer patients, seriously affecting their quality of life. In the context of precision care, constructing machine learning-based prediction models for early screening and assessment of CRF is beneficial to this situation. To further understand the predictors of CRF for model construction, we conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus databases, combining CRF with predictor-related terms. A total of 27 papers met the inclusion criteria. We evaluated the above studies into three subgroups following the predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating (3P) factor model. (1) Predisposing factors-baseline fatigue, demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, psychosocial traits and physical symptoms. (2) Precipitating factors-type and stage of chemotherapy, inflammatory factors, laboratory indicators and metabolic changes. (3) Perpetuating factors-a low level of physical activity and poorer nutritional status. Future research should prioritize large-scale prospective studies with emerging technologies to identify accurate predictors of CRF. The assessment and management of CRF should also focus on the above factors, especially the controllable precipitating factors, to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors.

The association of cancer-related fatigue on the social, vocational and healthcare-related dimensions of cancer survivorship.

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is well documented in cancer survivors, but little is known about the personal and societal impact of CRF. This study aimed to examine the impact of CRF in relation to social and vocational functioning and health care utilization in a large sample of post-treatment cancer survivors. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study of early stage breast and colorectal cancer survivors (n = 454) who were within 5 years from treatment completion. Social difficulties (SDI-21), work status, absenteeism and presenteeism (WHO-HPQ) and healthcare utilization (HSUQ) were compared in those with (CFR +) and without (CRF -) clinically significant fatigue (FACT-F ≤ 34). A total of 32% met the cut-off criteria for CRF (≤ 34). Participants with CRF + had significantly higher scores on the SDI-21 across all domains and 55% of CRF + vs. 11% in CRF - was above the SDI cut-off (> 10) for significant social difficulties. Participants with CRF + were 2.74 times more likely to be unemployed or on leave (95% CI 1.62, 4.61, p < 0.001). In the subgroup of participants who were currently working (n = 249), those with CRF + reported working on average 27.4 fewer hours in the previous 4 weeks compared to CRF - (p = 0.05), and absolute presenteeism was on average 13% lower in the CRF + group (95% CI 8.0, 18.2, p < 0.001). Finally, individuals with CRF + reported significantly more physician (p < 0.001), other health care professional (p = 0.03) and psychosocial visits (p = 0.002) in the past month. CRF is associated with substantial disruption in social and work role functioning in the early transitional phase of cancer survivorship. Better management of persistent CRF and funding for the implementation of existing guidelines and recommended evidence-based interventions are urgently needed.

Massage therapy significantly improves cancer-related fatigue in cancer patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of massage therapy in cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and to provide a reference for the future management of CRF. Eight databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Sinomed, Chinese Scientific Journal database (VIP), Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI)) were systematically reviewed from inception to May 2022 for randomized controlled trials. Two reviewers critically and independently assessed the risk of bias using Cochrane Collaboration criteria and extracted correlated data using the designed form. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 to calculate the pooled effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Sensitivity analysis was performed to find the source of the heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed via funnel plot analysis and the Egger test. A total of 11 qualified studies that included 789 patients (massage therapy group: 389; control group: 400) were included in the meta-analysis. Massage therapy had a marked effect on fatigue in cancer patients [standardized mean difference (SMD) = - 1.69, 95% CI (- 2.46, - 0.93), P < 0.01], especially in breast cancer [SMD = - 1.62, 95% CI (- 2.18, - 1.05), P < 0.01]. Reflexology [SMD = - 2.71, 95% CI (- 4.65, - 0.77), P < 0.01] and Chinese massage [SMD = - 1.14, 95% CI (- 1.95, - 0.33), P < 0.01] can have a more significant effect on fatigue. Massage time is 20 to 40min [SMD = - 2.39, 95% CI (- 4.13, - 0.66), P < 0.01], twice a week [SMD = - 3.46, 95% CI (- 5.47, - 1.45), P < 0.01] for 3-5weeks [SMD = - 2.36, 95% CI (- 3.53, - 1.19), P < 0.01], which is more effective in relieving fatigue in cancer patients. Five studies described the occurrence of adverse events and only two studies had adverse events. Massage therapy can be effective in relieving fatigue in cancer patients. Current evidence suggests that reflexology is the most effective approach to relieve fatigue, particularly in the breast cancer patients. The optimal intervention frequency and cycle for massage therapy is twice a week for 3-5weeks, and the optimal duration is 20-40min.

Cancer-related fatigue and functional impairment: Retrospective study in patients with newly diagnosed solid-tumor cancer.

e24143 Background: Functional impairment (FI) and debilitating cancer-related fatigue (CRF) occur across all cancers with negative impact on quality of life (QoL). The nature of the association between CRF and FIs is unknown. We conducted a retrospective, single institutional study to investigate the association between CRF and FIs prior to treatment in newly diagnosed solid tumors within Levine Cancer Institute (LCI), a regional, multi-site cancer system. Methods: Electronic Distress Screening (EDS) and Cancer Registry databases from Jan 2017 to Jan 2022 were sourced. CRF was defined as fatigue (0-10 scale) ≥4. FIs were assessed using three EDS questions with a two-week recall: (1) how well have you been able to manage your day-to-day life? (PM); (2) has your physical health kept you from doing things like household chores or climbing stairs? (PHL); and (3) do you have limited movement (LM) in any of the following [body parts]? These are proxies for activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. LCI patients aged ≥18 years with one cancer diagnosis within 10 years, completed EDS ±2 weeks of diagnosis, and before treatment were included. Proportions were compared using Fisher’s Exact test; multivariable logistic regression models evaluated the prognostic value of FIs on CRF. Results: 3439 unique patients were identified with strong associations between CRF and FIs. Median age was 62 years (18 to 97); 68% female and 78% White. The largest diagnostic groups were breast (30%), upper GI (17%), and gynecologic (16%); and 21% had stage IV disease. High CRF was reported by 57% (N = 1946) patients. FIs included: poor PM of day-to-day life, PHL, and ≥1 one body area of LM which were reported by 18% (N = 613), 19% (N = 648), and 29% (N = 982) respectively. More patients with FIs indicated CRF: PM 92% v. no PM 49% (P &lt; .01), PHL 92% v. no PHL 48% (P &lt; .01), and LM 75% v. no LM 49% (P &lt; .01). In multivariable modeling, all FIs were significantly associated with CRF. The Table outlines that all lower bounds of estimated 95% confidence intervals ratios associated with odds ratios were greater than 1.66 when adjusted for age at diagnosis, sex, race, diagnostic group, and advanced disease, highlighting that all are independently associated with CRF. Conclusions: FIs are highly associated with CRF prior to treatment for solid tumors in a large cohort of patients. Pre-diagnosis FI screening identifies patients at risk for significant CRF. Early CRF management is essential to reduce negative QoL impacts.[Table: see text]

Cultural adaptation of the Pan-Canadian Oncology Symptom triage and remote support practice guide for cancer-related fatigue in China: Integration of traditional Chinese medicine nursing evidence

ObjectiveThis study aimed at culturally adapting pan-Canadian Oncology Symptom Triage and Remote Support (COSTaRS) Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) Practice Guide to enable its use in China. This article focuses on presenting the key cultural adaptation step: supplementing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) nursing recommendations for CRF symptom management according to evidence. MethodsGuided by A Guideline Adaptation and Implementation Planning Resource (CAN-IMPLEMENT), the process for cultural adaptation of the CRF guide in the COSTaRS project included translation, expert committee review, acceptability and feasibility assessment, and targeted adaptation to include TCM nursing techniques for CRF management via the Delphi method. ResultsFirst, an expert committee of nurses, nurse leaders, and researchers was established. The practice guide was translated and verified by the members of the expert committee. Nurses then rated the practice guide for acceptability and feasibility. Concurrently, 83 stakeholders (nurses and patients) identified five relevant TCM nursing techniques: acupuncture, moxibustion, acupressure therapy, Taijiquan, and auricular acupoint embedding. A systematic review of literature identified three clinical practice guidelines and four systematic reviews. Through two rounds of Delphi expert consultation, five TCM care strategies were added into the culturally adapted COSTaRS practice guide. ConclusionsCultural adaptation of the Canadian CRF practice guide involved not only language translation but also the addition of relevant TCM evidence. Combining TCM evidence and the Delphi method was a novel aspect of the cultural adaptation process. Further research is needed to investigate the implementation of the guide in appropriate settings in China.

Improving Cancer Related Fatigue Management through Ergonomic Workshops

The ergonomics workshop on Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF) management is a method for designing an ergonomic approach to meet the physical and psychological needs of breast cancer patients who experience CRF and return to work. Through workshops, improvement of work procedures can be carried out in a comprehensively because it involves the participation of all components involved in the approach to be carried out. The purpose of this research is to get the best working procedures for CRF management and to analyze the knowledge of the respondents before and after the workshop. This is a quantitative study with a pre and post-test approach. Focus Group Discussions are conducted to collect data. Workshops for handling CRF in breast cancer patients who return to work are carried out by involving oncology nurses, oncologists, ergonomic experts, nutritionists, health sciences students and breast cancer patients who return to work and heads of work units. Respondents were divided into 3 groups and 12 stages of the workshop were carried out. The results show that work comfort, programs that facilitate physical activity and being able to meet cancer sufferers, work attitudes, physical activity, social support are expected components of work procedures. Respondents' knowledge before and after the workshop differed significantly with p=0.0001. This workshop can help increase patient and healthcare workers' knowledge about CRF and help find the best therapy and work procedures for CRF management.&#x0D; Keywords: workshop, ergonomics, cancer related fatigue

Effectiveness of exercise interventions in the management of cancer-related fatigue: a systematic review of systematic reviews.

Cancer-related fatigue is a widely prevalent global public health concern with serious consequences. Increasing evidence suggests the effectiveness of exercise intervention in treating cancer-related fatigue, but there is a lack of a summary of relevant literature on the same to help reach a clear consensus. To summarize evidence regarding the efficacy of exercise interventions to reduce cancer fatigue, as determined in systematic reviews (SRs) and/or meta-analyses (MAs). From inception to September 2022, PubMed (1948-2022), Embase (1974-2022), Cochrane Library (1993-2022), CINAHL (1937-2022), Web of Science (1997-2022), China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database (1999-2022), Wanfang Database (1993-2022), and Chinese Biomedical Database (1994-2022) were searched for inclusion to the study. Two reviewers independently extracted the data from the included articles. AMSTAR II was to evaluate the methodological quality of the reviews. A total of 46 systematic reviews were assessed for data on exercise intervention in reducing cancer-related fatigue among cancer patients. In addition, some studies have reported adverse events during the exercise intervention period. The quality of the included systematic review was found to be low or critically low. The present systematic review of systematic reviews supports exercise intervention for reducing cancer-related fatigue. Further higher-quality studies are warranted to improve the level of evidence for exercise interventions for application in the treatment of cancer-related fatigue.

Corticosteroids for the management of cancer-related fatigue in adults with advanced cancer.

Corticosteroids for the management of cancer-related fatigue in adults with advanced cancer.

Physical rehabilitation for the management of cancer-related fatigue during cytotoxic treatment: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

To assess the effect of physical therapy on cancer-related fatigue (CRF) during cytotoxic anticancer treatment. Systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials published from 2010 to 2021 (EMBASE, MEDLINE, PEDro; SciELO, and LILACS). Studies assessing the effect of supervised physical therapy (IG) for the management of CRF on adults undergoing anticancer treatment compared with a control group (CG) covering usual care or any uncontrolled practice, such as recommendations about exercise and health education, were included in this review. A total of 22 studies were included in the SR and 21 in the meta-analysis, resulting in 1.992 individuals (CG = 973 and IG = 1.019). There was a reduction in general fatigue [SMD = - 0.69; 95%CI (- 1.15, - 0.22) p < 0.01; I2 = 87%; NNT = 3], with greater weight attributed to combined exercise (44%). Physical fatigue also reduced [SMD = - 0.76; 95%CI (- 1.13, - 0.39) p < 0.01; I2 = 90%; NNT = 2], with greater weight for resistance exercise (50%) and greater effect with combined exercise [SMD = - 1.90; 95%CI (- 3.04, - 0.76) p < 0.01; I 2 = 96%]. There was reduction in general fatigue with moderate intensity (74%) [SMD = - 0.89; 95%CI (- 1.61, - 0.17) p < 0.02; I2 = 90%] and physical fatigue [SMD = - 1.00; 95%CI (- 1.54, - 0.46) p < 0.01; I2 = 92%], while high intensity reduced only general fatigue [SMD = - 0.35; 95%CI (- 0.51, - 0.20) p < 0.01; I2 = 0%]. The number of overall and weekly sessions has been shown to contribute to the reduction of CRF. Physical rehabilitation with moderate intensity promoted greater relief of general and physical fatigue. Even after controlling for high heterogeneity, the quality of evidence, summarized in GRADE, was considered moderate for general fatigue and low for physical fatigue.

Self-managed physical activity in cancer survivors for the management of cancer-related fatigue: A scoping review.

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a disabling chronic condition that cancer survivors could experience during and after recovery and that might benefit from self-managed physical activity (PA) programs. This scoping review aimed to map self-managed PA interventions found in literature for the management of CRF. Given the heterogeneity of the topic, scoping review methodological frameworks were used. Pubmed, Cinahl and Cochrane databases were searched for primary literature. Inclusion criteria: self-managed PA meant as any exercise program prescribed by a professional either with or without initial supervision and training which then continued independently for a given time frame; patient-reported fatigue assessment included in the outcome measures. Articles dealing with entirely supervised interventions, dietary or psychological-only therapies, and with palliative care were excluded. Of the 543 experimental or observational studies screened, 63 were included. Of these forty-three studies were randomized controlled trials. Data were summarized in tables describing self-managed interventions according to: type of self-managed activity, frequency and duration, strategies to promote adherence, professionals supervising the treatment, outcome measures, and efficacy. A narrative synthesis was also added to further explain findings. We collected the available evidence on PA when this was self-managed by patients after prescription by a healthcare provider. Clinicians and researchers should consider incorporating self-care programs in CRF patients' recovery journey gradually, identifying the best strategies to integrate them into daily life. Researchers should specify the characteristics of PA programs when designing new studies. This review highlighted the areas to be investigated for future studies pertaining to self-managed PA.

Physical activity for the management of cancer-related fatigue in adults

Physical activity for the management of cancer-related fatigue in adults

Management of cancer-related fatigue in Taiwan: an evidence-based consensus for screening, assessment and treatment.

Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common and persistent issues experienced by cancer patients. Cancer-related fatigue is a distinct form of fatigue that is subjective, long-lasting and unalleviated by rest or sleep. Studies have shown that almost all cancer patients experience severe fatigue that disrupts the quality of life and physical function, but cancer-related fatigue remains under-addressed in clinical care, and only about half of all patients receive treatment. To increase the awareness of cancer-related fatigue and improve current management, the Taiwan Society of Cancer Palliative Medicine and the Taiwan Oncology Nursing Society convened a consensus committee to develop recommendations for the screening, assessment and treatment of cancer-related fatigue. Thirteen consensus recommendations were subsequently developed based on the best available evidence and the clinical experience of committee members. These recommendations are expected to facilitate the standardization of cancer-related fatigue management across Taiwan and may also serve as a reference for other clinicians.

The Role of Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation in Cancer-Related Fatigue and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Radiotherapy: A Randomized, Double-Blinded and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most common symptom in breast cancer patients treated with radiotherapy (RT). Acupuncture was reported to be effective in the management of CRF due to enhanced vagus nerve activity and improved lymphopenia. We hypothesized that transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (tVNS) is effective for CRF in a more convenient and non-invasive way. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> From April 2020 to December 2021, a total of 247 breast cancer patients receiving RT to the breast/chest wall ± regional lymph nodes were included in this study. Patients were randomized 2:1 to the tVNS group (n=163) or the sham tVNS group (stVNS group, n=84). The electrode clip was placed on the tragus with power on or off, once daily throughout RT. Both the patient and the assessing physician were blinded to the assignment. The primary endpoint was improvement of CRF in one month after RT (measured by the Brief Fatigue Inventory, BFI) and the change of lymphocytes during RT. Secondary endpoint included anxiety and depression (measured by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS), the sleep dysfunction (measured by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI), and quality of life (measured by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire, EORTC QLQ-C30). ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04563013. <h3>Results</h3> Baseline characteristics were well balanced between the two groups. In CRF improvement, the median (quartile) of BFI total score and comprehensive fatigue effect score of tVNS group was significantly lower than that in stVNS group (1.0 [0.3, 2.2] vs 1.7 [0.7, 3.6], <i>p</i>=0.015; 0.8 [0, 1.6] vs 1.4 [0.7, 3.8], <i>p</i>=0.005, respectively). The change in lymphocytes of tVNS group were significantly less than that in stVNS group from baseline to week 4 (median, -0.8 × 10⁹/L vs -1.0 × 10⁹/L, <i>p</i>=0.014), and to the end of RT (median, -0.9 × 10⁹/L vs -1.0 × 10⁹/L, <i>p</i>=0.004). In terms of psychological status, tVNS significantly lowered the total score (median, 3.0 vs 7.0, <i>p</i>=0.012) and the depression score (median, 1.0 vs 3.0, <i>p</i>=0.005) of HADS one month after RT. No significant difference in anxiety scores between the two groups (median, 2.0 vs 4.0, <i>p</i>=0.085). Patients in tVNS group had less sleep latency (median scores, 1.0 vs 2.0, <i>p</i>=0.042) and better social functioning (median scores, 100.0 vs 83.3, <i>p</i>=0.020) than stVNS group in one month after RT. No ear irritation or obvious changes in the external skin were observed. <h3>Conclusion</h3> tVNS can significantly improve the CRF, lymphopenia, and quality of life in breast cancer patients receiving RT.

The Effect of Dietary Methyl-Donor Intake and Other Lifestyle Factors on Cancer Patients in Hungary.

Simple SummaryThe incidence of cancer has been increasing worldwide and, along with inflammation-related diseases, a significant number of cases could be prevented by appropriate lifestyle routines. Methyl-donors are macronutrients that are important in achieving a healthy balance of metabolic processes. Their deficiency can lead to several symptoms and diseases and has also been implicated in the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nutrition therapy is already recognized as an appropriate tool in the management of cancer-related fatigue to improve quality of life. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential protective effect of methyl-donor intake in breast, colorectal and pancreatic cancer by patient follow up. Our results suggest that appropriate methyl-donor intake can be useful as an adjunct of conventional oncotherapy which may contribute to improve quality of life. Whether methyl-donor intake supports cancer prevention and patient survival needs further confirmation in large patient cohorts.Background: Nutrition is essential to life and can have an indisputable influence on health and prevention of disease development including cancer. Methyl-donors are macronutrients that are important in achieving a healthy balance of metabolic processes. Their deficiency can lead to several symptoms and diseases—even to severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. We aimed to explore the potential protective effect of methyl-donor intake in breast, colorectal and pancreatic cancer by patient follow up. Methods: A food frequency questionnaire and a diet diary were used to evaluate methyl-donor intake and blood samples were taken to evaluate Il-6 and IL-8 cytokine levels as well as MTHFR (C677T) polymorphism in breast, colorectal and pancreatic cancer patients. Results: We found that levels around the recommended daily intake of B6 and B9 were effective in supporting the overall survival of breast and colorectal, and a relatively higher level of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, patients. The total intake of methyl-donors significantly and negatively correlated with smoking in pancreatic cancer, while folate as well as betaine intake significantly and positively correlated with IL-8 in colorectal cancer patients. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the appropriate intake of methyl-donor can be an adjunct of conventional oncotherapy to improve quality of life. Whether methyl-donor intake supports cancer prevention and patient survival needs further confirmation in large patient cohorts.

Acupuncture for Managing Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Simple SummaryAcupuncture (AT) itself is not used to treat cancer. AT is used to help manage various side effects (pain, hot flashes, and fatigue) that occur in cancer treatment. However, the mechanism of action and efficacy of AT are uncertain. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to explore the benefits of acupuncture in patients with breast cancer-related fatigue (CRF).Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women and is a serious threat to women’s health. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a distressing symptom in BC patients during and after chemotherapy or radiation therapy that severely affects quality of life (QoL). AT is widely used for fatigue management. However, the effect of AT on CRF is still uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of AT in the management of CRF in patients with BC. Eleven databases were searched through June 2022. Two researchers independently performed the database search, study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. Study selection was performed based on predefined Participants, Intervention, Comparators, Outcomes, Study design (PICOS) criteria, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed when reporting the results. A meta-analysis was performed according to the Cochrane systematic review method using RevMan 5.3. A total of 12 studies including a total of 1084 participants were included. The results showed that AT had a beneficial effect compared with sham AT (n = 256, SMD = −0.26, 95% CI [−0.51, −0.01], p = 0.04, I2 = 0%) and a long-term effect on fatigue score (n = 209, MD = −0.32, 95% CI [–0.59, −0.04], p = 0.02, I2 = 0%). Meta-analysis showed that AT had a beneficial effect compared with usual care (UC) on fatigue scores (n = 238, SMD = −0.39, 95% CI [−0.66 to −0.12], p = 0.005, I2 = 0%). Of the 12 articles, 3 articles were judged as having a low risk of bias in all domains and hence were of high quality. No serious adverse effects were identified. AT is an effective and safe treatment for CRF, and AT is more effective than sham AT or UC or wait-list control (WLC). Nevertheless, the methodological quality of most of these studies was low, and the included studies/sample sizes were small, so the ability to derive decisive implications was limited. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.