Fatigue In Cancer Survivors Research Articles

Potential mechanisms underlying the effect of walking exercise on cancer-related fatigue in cancer survivors.

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common and debilitating long-term side effect of cancer and its treatment. While exercise has been shown to effectively reduce CRF, the underlying mechanisms are not fully clear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the effects of a 4-month walking exercise program on fatigue severity and to explore potential underlying physiological, behavioral, and psychological mechanisms of action. We included 27 cancer survivors (59 ± 15years, 37% female) with variable cancer diagnoses who were at least moderately fatigued and finished treatment between 6 and 36months ago. This study with a quasi-experimental interrupted time-series design compared a 4-month walking intervention period with a 4-month control period. Measurements of fatigue and physiological, behavioral, and psychological factors were performed, supplemented with participants' perceptions on how exercise influenced their fatigue. A significant and clinically relevant decrease in fatigue severity was found over time (β = - 8.1, 95% CI = - 12.1; - 4.2), but could not be attributed directly to the walking exercise intervention. Increases in muscle strength (β = - 0.07, 95% CI = - 0.12; - 0.02), physical activity (β = - 0.1, 95% CI = - 0.2; - 0.04), and sleep quality (β = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.3; 1.9), as well as decreases in muscle relaxation times (β = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.02; 0.16) and psychological distress (β = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.8; 1.3) were associated with reductions in fatigue severity. Resilience and physical well-being were perceived as most important constructs explaining the walking exercise effects on fatigue. Our findings reveal potential physiological, behavioral, and psychological mechanisms underlying the multidimensional effects of exercise on fatigue severity. Incorporating resistance exercise and addressing resilience and physical well-being might improve the efficacy of exercise interventions for cancer survivors.

The Impact of Supervised, Individualized Exercise on Fatigue and Quality of Life during Adjuvant Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer

Adjuvant radiation therapy in treatment for breast cancer has been shown to improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality rates. However, many patients experience debilitating fatigue as a result. Currently, there are limited treatment options for fatigue in cancer survivors. Options include pharmaceutical agents, psychological interventions, or nutrition strategies, all of which have limited efficacy. Exercise is recommended in survivorship care plans, but it not widely implemented beyond the use of generalized statements or resource guides given to patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was the examine the impact of an individualized exercise program on fatigue, quality of life, and physical functioning during radiation therapy for breast cancer. This multi-institutional prospective trial evaluated the effects of supervised, individualized exercise therapy in 422 patients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer. Following a comprehensive fitness assessment and the completion of the Brief Fatigue Instrument (BFI) questionnaire, each participant participated in a 12-week individualized exercise program offered through Maple Tree Cancer Alliance. At its conclusion, the patients repeated the assessment and questionnaire. Individualized exercise had a positive impact on fitness parameters and severity of fatigue. Specifically, cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility all significantly improved following the exercise intervention (p<0.05). On average, patients fatigue levels decreased by 31.1% (P<0.01). These results signify that fatigue levels are positively impacted by exercise among patients with breast cancer.

Effects of dyadic-based physical activity intervention on cancer-related fatigue among cancer survivors: A scoping review.

Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common adverse reactions to cancer survivors, which has a significant impact on the daily life. As a traumatic event, cancer not only brings great physical and mental harm to patients, but also poses a threat to the physical and psychological health of caregivers. Current studies have shown that physical activity improves cancer-related fatigue in cancer survivors. And studies have suggested that dyadic interventions are more effective in improving patient outcomes and may also provide some benefits to caregivers. But the literature on the effects of dyadic-based physical activity on improving cancer-related fatigue has not been synthesized. This scoping review described the scope and impact of studies on cancer-related fatigue with dyadic-based physical activity interventions. Six databases which is PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL and Medline were searched for all studies of dyadic-based physical activity interventions with outcome measures including cancer-related fatigue published since the inception of the databases through May 2022. The search strategy was developed based on PICO principles. This article includes 6 pre and post-test designs and 2 randomized controlled trial design. The majority of participants were survivors with breast and lung cancer. The overall results showed that the effectiveness of dyadic-based physical activity interventions in improving cancer-related fatigue was unsatisfactory. This scoping review suggests that current dyadic-based physical activity interventions are not well-researched among cancer survivors. In the future, more high-quality studies with more sophisticated and rigorous interventions are needed.

Comparative effect of progressive relaxation technique and Benson's technique on anxiety and fatigue in cancer survivors - an experimental study

Background and Purpose: Anxiety and fatigue is a common symptom that is seen in cancer survivors, who have recently been diagnosed as well as those who are undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy as they are emotionally distressed. Progressive relaxation technique and Benson's relaxation is seen to be efficacious in lowering anxiety and fatigue in cancer survivors as individual treatment. To compare the depiction of progressive relaxation technique and Benson's technique on anxiety using Hamilton anxiety scale (HAM-A), blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR), and fatigue using cancer fatigue scale (CFS). Materials and Methods: A randomized clinical trial (chit method) was carried out on 42 subjects with cancer related anxiety and fatigue. Subjects were randomly allotted to Group A and Group B. Group A was administered Progressive relaxation technique. Group B was administered Benson's technique. Primary outcome measures used were Hamilton Anxiety Scale and Cancer fatigue scale, secondary outcome measures were HR and BP. Outcomes were evaluated at baseline, immediate and after 5 days of the treatment. Results: The results were analyzed using independent t test for comparing the 2 groups. On comparing group, A and B for baseline to immediate and baseline to after 5 days, using HAM-A, BP, HR, CFS, no statistical significance was found. Whereas within group analysis (within group A and B) showed significant reduction in anxiety and fatigue in cancer survivors, with a P value significant at <0.05 as seen from baseline to immediate and baseline to 5 days, with 0.7 effect size. Conclusion: The study concludes that both Progressive relaxation technique and Benson's technique are equally effective in reducing anxiety and PRT lowers fatigue more effectively than Benson's technique in cancer survivors.

A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Study to Evaluate the Immediate Effect of Targeted Exercise Therapy on Cancer-Related Fatigue in Cancer Survivors: The FatiGO Study

Objectives: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a clinically relevant side effect that impairs cancer survivors after treatment cessation. Exercise interventions have proven effective; however, specific exercise modalities remain untested. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of daily fatigue screenings and to show the impact of various exercise interventions on CRF. Methods: The randomized controlled pilot study ran for 4 weeks with 3 training sessions per week, in 5 groups: endurance versus strength (moderate- and vigorous-intensity levels for each) compared to a non-active control group. The primary outcome was feasibility; more specifically, it was evaluated whether the documentation with the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) on a daily basis and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) on a weekly basis are usable assessments to generate information about CRF. Results: Over the course of the 4-week intervention, 8.3% of the participants (n = 3) dropped out. Thirty-three of the initial 36 participants completed the exercise sessions with an adherence of 95%. Measurements of daily fatigue were collected three times per day, 85% of which were completely filled out. In regard to weekly fatigue, all but one of the questionnaires were submitted (99.5%). Neither during the intervention nor during the tests did any serious adverse events occur within the FatiGO study; hence, the exercise intervention is considered to be feasible for participants. Conclusions: This pilot study showed the feasibility of close-meshed daily fatigue screening. Preliminary data indicate that cancer survivors are able to train in high-intensity ranges with tendencies toward decreased fatigue. Therefore, practicability of the study design is shown. Further results are expected within the prospective multicenter trial.

Reducing severe fatigue in patients with diffuse glioma: a study protocol for an RCT on the effect of blended cognitive behavioural therapy

BackgroundFatigue is the most frequent and burdensome symptom of patients with diffuse glioma. It is closely linked to decreased health-related quality of life and symptoms such as depression and sleep disturbances. Currently, there is no evidence-based treatment that targets severe fatigue in patients with brain tumours. Cognitive behavioural therapy is aimed at fatigue-maintaining beliefs and behaviour. This therapy has been proven effective in reducing severe fatigue in cancer survivors and patients with multiple sclerosis. A blended therapy program combines sessions with a therapist with therapist-guided web-based therapy modules. The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to determine the efficacy of blended cognitive behavioural therapy in treating severe fatigue in patients with diffuse glioma.MethodsWe will include a maximum of 100 patients with diffuse glioma with clinically and radiologically stable disease and severe fatigue (i.e. Checklist Individual Strength, subscale fatigue severity ≥ 35). Patients will be randomized to blended cognitive behavioural therapy or a waiting list condition. The 12-week intervention GRIP on fatigue consists of five patient-therapist sessions and five to eight individualized web-based therapy modules supported by email contact. The primary outcome measure is fatigue severity. Secondary outcome measures include sleep quality, health-related quality of life, depression, anxiety, functional impairment and subjective and objective cognitive functioning. Primary and secondary outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and after 14 and 24 weeks. Magnetoencephalography and MRI will be used to evaluate potential biomarkers for intervention success. This trial has a Bayesian design: we will conduct multiple interim analyses to test for efficacy or futility of the trial. This is the first trial within the GRIP trial platform: a platform developing four to five different interventions for the most common symptoms in patients with diffuse glioma.DiscussionThe results of the GRIP on fatigue trial will provide information about the efficacy of this intervention on fatigue in patients with diffuse glioma. Multiple other outcomes and possible predictors of treatment success will also be explored.Trial registrationNetherlands Trial Register NL8711. Registered on 14 June 2020.

Exploring the effect of neurofeedback on postcancer cognitive impairment and fatigue: A pilot feasibility study.

Postcancer cognitive impairment (PCCI) and fatigue are adverse effects that often persist following cancer treatment, and impact quality of life. The study purpose was to evaluate feasibility and effect of neurofeedback on cognitive functioning and fatigue in cancer survivors. Specifically, we aimed to test feasibility of recruitment strategies and our study protocol including outcome measures. This pilot feasibility study used a 10-week wait-list design. Participants served as their own controls and received neurofeedback training twice a week for 10 weeks. The sample consisted of breast cancer survivors from Kingston, Ontario (n = 16). Outcomes were assessed using validated, self-report scales and neuropsychological tests before, during, and after neurofeedback. The neurofeedback protocol was feasible and resulted in significant decreases in perceived cognitive deficits, fatigue, sleep, and psychological symptoms. Neurofeedback may be an effective, non-invasive complementary therapy for PCCI in breast cancer survivors.

High-Intensity Interval Training for Reducing Cancer-Related Fatigue in Survivors of Cancer: Challenges and Solutions for Translation and Implementation in Cancer Rehabilitation

Moderate-intensity continuous aerobic exercise training (MICT) is used to help alleviate symptoms of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in many cancer rehabilitation programs. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has become increasingly popular, including several research studies demonstrating promising effects of HIIT on CRF among patients and survivors of cancer. However, we propose that 2 primary limitations exist in the current literature that must be addressed before HIIT should be translated from research studies and implemented in cancer rehabilitation. These limitations are the lack of generalizability of this research and a paucity of studies that have directly compared MICT with HIIT while matching for total exercise volume. In this commentary, we expand on the rationale for the proposed limitations and provide suggestions for future research directions.

Effectiveness of eHealth interventions for cancer-related pain, fatigue, and sleep disorders in cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

To systematically evaluate the effects of Electronic health (eHealth) interventions on fatigue, pain, and sleep disorders in cancer survivors. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. Relevant studies were searched from five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials, CINAHL, and PsycINFO). The comprehensive literature search was done in December 2020. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effects of eHealth interventions among cancer survivors were included. Twenty-five RCTs were included. The meta-analysis showed that eHealth interventions had a positive impact on pain interference (SMD=-0.37, 95% CI: -0.54 to -0.20, p=0.0001) and sleep disorders (SMD=-0.43, 95% CI: -0.77 to -0.08, p=0.02) but not on pain severity or fatigue in cancer survivors. The sensitivity and subgroup analyses indicated that the pooled results were robust and reliable. eHealth interventions are effective in improving pain interference and sleep disorders in cancer survivors. Additional high-quality RCTs are needed to test the effectiveness of eHealth interventions on fatigue, pain, and sleep disorders in cancer survivors. This systematic review and meta-analysis provides evidence to offer effective and sustainable eHealth care for symptom management among cancer survivors.

Personalized versus standard cognitive behavioral therapy for fear of cancer recurrence, depressive symptoms or cancer-related fatigue in cancer survivors: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial (MATCH-study)

BackgroundFear of cancer recurrence, depressive symptoms, and cancer-related fatigue are prevalent symptoms among cancer survivors, adversely affecting patients’ quality of life and daily functioning. Effect sizes of interventions targeting these symptoms are mostly small to medium. Personalizing treatment is assumed to improve efficacy. However, thus far the empirical support for this approach is lacking. The aim of this study is to investigate if systematically personalized cognitive behavioral therapy is more efficacious than standard cognitive behavioral therapy in cancer survivors with moderate to severe fear of cancer recurrence, depressive symptoms, and/or cancer-related fatigue.MethodsThe study is designed as a non-blinded, multicenter randomized controlled trial with two treatment arms (ratio 1:1): (a) systematically personalized cognitive behavioral therapy and (b) standard cognitive behavioral therapy. In the standard treatment arm, patients receive an evidence-based diagnosis-specific treatment protocol for fear of cancer recurrence, depressive symptoms, or cancer-related fatigue. In the second arm, treatment is personalized on four dimensions: (a) the allocation of treatment modules based on ecological momentary assessments, (b) treatment delivery, (c) patients’ needs regarding the symptom for which they want to receive treatment, and (d) treatment duration. In total, 190 cancer survivors who experience one or more of the targeted symptoms and ended their medical treatment with curative intent at least 6 months to a maximum of 5 years ago will be included. Primary outcome is limitations in daily functioning. Secondary outcomes are level of fear of cancer recurrence, depressive symptoms, fatigue severity, quality of life, goal attainment, therapist time, and drop-out rates. Participants are assessed at baseline (T0), and after 6 months (T1) and 12 months (T2).DiscussionTo our knowledge, this is the first randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of personalized cognitive behavioral therapy to standard cognitive behavioral therapy in cancer survivors. The study has several innovative characteristics, among which is the personalization of interventions on several dimensions. If proven effective, the results of this study provide a first step in developing an evidence-based framework for personalizing therapies in a systematic and replicable way.Trial registrationThe Dutch Trial Register (NTR) NL7481 (NTR7723). Registered on 24 January 2019.

The Effect of Acupressure on Relieving Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Fatigue, a common complaint reported by patients with cancer or in survivorship, has been negatively associated with quality of life, emotional health, and cognitive functions. Acupressure, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been increasingly practiced in clinical and community settings. However, little evidence supports the beneficial effects of acupressure on the reduction of general, physical, and mental fatigue in cancer survivors. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of acupressure on fatigue in cancer survivors and the moderators of the effect of acupressure on cancer-related fatigue relief. Databases, namely, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and ProQuest, were searched from their inception to July 17, 2020. No language and publication period restrictions were applied. Only randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of acupressure on cancer-related fatigue were included. A random-effects model was used for data analyses. Fourteen articles involving 776 participants with cancers were included. Acupressure considerably alleviated cancer-related general, physical, and mental fatigue (g = -0.87, -0.87, and -0.37) compared with controls. Increasing female percentage of participants significantly reduced the effects of acupressure on fatigue (B = -0.01, P < .001). The executor and operation approach as well as treatment period during chemotherapy did not moderate the effects of acupressure on fatigue relief. Acupressure is effective at alleviating cancer-related fatigue. Health professionals and patients can use acupressure to alleviate fatigue during and after chemotherapy. Nursing personnel could incorporate acupressure into clinical practice as part of a multimodal approach to alleviating fatigue in cancer survivors.

Personalizing cognitive behavioral therapy for cancer-related fatigue using ecological momentary assessments followed by automated individual time series analyses: A case report series

IntroductionA common approach to personalizing psychological interventions is the allocation of treatment modules to individual patients based on cut-off scores on questionnaires, which are mostly based on group studies. However, this way, intraindividual variation and temporal dynamics are not taken into account. Automated individual time series analyses are a possible solution, since these can identify the factors influencing the targeted symptom in a specific individual, and associated modules can be allocated accordingly. The aim of this study was to illustrate how automated individual time series analyses can be applied to personalize cognitive behavioral therapy for cancer-related fatigue in cancer survivors and how this procedure differs from allocating modules based on questionnaires. MethodsThis study was a case report series (n = 3). Patients completed ecological momentary assessments at the start of therapy, and after three treatment modules (approximately 14 weeks). Assessments were analyzed with AutoVAR, an R package that automates the process of finding optimal vector autoregressive models. The results informed the treatment plan. ResultsThree cases were described. From the ecological momentary assessments and automated time series analyses three individual treatment plans were constructed, in which the most important predictor for cancer-related fatigue was treated first. For two patients, this led to the treatment ending after the follow-up ecological momentary assessments. One patient continued treatment until six months, the standard treatment time in regular treatment. All three treatment plans differed from the treatment plans informed by questionnaire scores. DiscussionThis study is one of the first to apply time series analyses in systematically personalizing psychological treatment. An important strength of this approach is that it can be used for every modular cognitive behavioral intervention where each treatment module addresses specific maintaining factors. Whether or not personalized CBT is more efficacious than standard, non-personalized CBT remains to be determined in controlled studies comparing it to usual care.

Home-based Physical Activity to Alleviate Fatigue in Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Physical activity (PA) affects fatigue and mental health in cancer survivors favorably, but participation in PA interventions tends to be low. More participants may be reached by home-based PA owing to greater accessibility and self-monitoring. This systematic review therefore evaluated the effects of home-based PA of low to moderate intensity on symptoms of fatigue, depression, and anxiety among cancer survivors. PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials. We included investigations of home-based PA interventions in adults treated curatively for cancer and evaluating fatigue, depression, or anxiety as outcomes. We performed a random-effect meta-analysis for the effects of PA interventions on fatigue in the short and long terms. Subgroup analyses were performed for the frequency of counseling. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals are reported. Eleven articles comprising 1066 participants were included: 77% had a history of breast cancer; 14%, ovarian cancer; 4%, colorectal cancer; 4%, prostate cancer; and 1%, "other" cancer (not specified). Concerning the outcomes, nine articles reported on fatigue and two reported on depression or anxiety. Meta-analyses showed a significant effect of home-based PA on fatigue immediately after the intervention (SMD = 0.22 [0.06-0.37]), at 3 months' follow-up (SMD = 0.27 [0.04-0.51]), and at 6-9 months' follow-up (SMD = 0.31 [0.08-0.55]). PA interventions that used frequent counseling were associated with larger improvements in fatigue than those using no or infrequent counseling. Home-based PA interventions can reduce fatigue among adult cancer survivors for up to 9 months, and frequent counseling may improve the benefits of these interventions.

The Impact of Dragon Boating for Fatigue in Cancer Survivors

Fatigue after treatment for breast cancer has an impact on quality of life. Dragon boating is known to be beneficial. A multiple-point cohort panel design was used. Data was collected from breast cancer survivors to measure fatigue, quality of life, and upper arm functioning at 3 time points. Fatigue levels fell significantly between T1 and T2 and from T2 to T3. Similarly, upper limb functioning improved from T1 to T2 but showed no significant change between T2 and T3. The findings suggest that dragon boating, as a form of exercise, has a role in reducing fatigue.

The Relationship between Fatigue and Actigraphy-Derived Sleep and Rest–Activity Patterns in Cancer Survivors

Cancer-related fatigue can continue long after curative cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate sleep and rest–activity cycles in fatigued and non-fatigued cancer survivors. We hypothesized that sleep and rest–activity cycles would be more disturbed in people experiencing clinically-relevant fatigue, and that objective measures of sleep would be associated with the severity of fatigue in cancer survivors. Cancer survivors (n = 87) completed a 14-day wrist actigraphy measurement to estimate their sleep and rest–activity cycles. Fatigue was measured using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue Scale (FACIT-F). Participants were dichotomised into two groups using a previously validated score (fatigued n = 51 and non-fatigued n = 36). The participant’s perception of sleep was measured using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). FACIT-F score was correlated with wake after sleep onset (r = −0.28; p = 0.010), sleep efficiency (r = 0.26; p = 0.016), sleep onset latency (r = −0.31; p = 0.044) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score (r = −0.56; p < 0.001). The relative amplitude of the rest–activity cycles was lower in the fatigued vs. the non-fatigued group (p = 0.017; d = 0.58). After treatment for cancer, the severity of cancer-related fatigue is correlated with specific objective measures of sleep, and there is evidence of rest–activity cycle disruption in people experiencing clinically-relevant fatigue.

Effects of mindfulness-based interventions on fatigue in cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to determine the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in improving fatigue-related outcomes in adult cancer survivors. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified from PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases and reference lists of included studies. Separate random-effects meta-analyses were conducted for fatigue and vitality/vigor. Twenty-three studies reporting on 21 RCTs (N = 2239) met inclusion criteria. MBIs significantly reduced fatigue compared to controls at post-intervention (g = 0.60, 95 % CI [0.36, 0.83]) and first follow-up (g = 0.42, 95 % CI [0.20, 0.64]). Likewise, MBIs significantly improved vitality/vigor at post-intervention (g = 0.39, 95 % CI [0.25, 0.52]) and first follow-up (g = 0.35, 95 % CI [0.03, 0.67]). The evidence grade was low due to risk of bias, substantial heterogeneity, and publication bias among studies. MBIs show promise in improving fatigue and vitality/vigor in cancer survivors. More rigorous trials are needed to address current gaps in the evidence base.

Feasibility of Attention Restoration Theory-Driven Hypnotherapy for Fatigue in Cancer Survivors

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the feasibility of Attention Restoration Theory (ART)-driven hypnotherapy to address cancer-related fatigue (CRF). Six participants with CRF completed the study. Participants completed measures of fatigue and pain pre- and posttreatment of 5 sessions of ART-driven hypnotherapy, each of which followed a treatment manual. Results indicate that participants experienced reductions in fatigue, fatigue bothersomeness, and pain following the intervention. Additionally, participants reported high levels of treatment satisfaction. This innovative intervention of ART-driven hypnotherapy appears to be feasible and warrants further study in a controlled trial with a larger sample.

Effects of a light therapy intervention on diurnal salivary cortisol in fatigued cancer survivors: A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveAltered diurnal cortisol rhythms are a potential mechanism through which symptoms of fatigue are maintained in post-treatment cancer survivors. Exposure to early morning bright light may target this underlying dysregulation, resulting in improved diurnal cortisol patterns, subsequently improving symptoms of fatigue. This research investigates the effects of a 4-week light therapy intervention on the diurnal cortisol slopes and output in fatigued cancer survivors. MethodsPost-treatment adult cancer survivors who met diagnostic criteria for cancer-related fatigue were randomly assigned to receive either a bright white light (BWL) or dim red light (DRL) device, used daily for 30 min over four consecutive weeks. Assessments of fatigue and salivary cortisol were collected at baseline and post-intervention. Cortisol was sampled four times per day (waking, noon, 5 pm, bedtime) for three days at each timepoint. Diurnal cortisol slopes and total cortisol output were calculated at baseline and post-intervention. Linear mixed models were used to analyze the data. ResultsSeventy-seven participants were included in this analysis (BWL n = 40; DRL n = 37). Participants in both groups displayed increased steepness in cortisol slope (B = -0.02, p = .01, Cohen's d = 0.57) and increased total cortisol output (B = 9.58, p = .03, Cohen's d = 0.49) from baseline to post-intervention, indicating only a moderate effect of time. Neither diurnal cortisol slopes nor total cortisol output mediated the relationship between the light therapy intervention and fatigue levels. ConclusionThough the results of this trial are promising for light therapy as an effective intervention to reduce fatigue in cancer survivors, this does not appear to be achieved through alterations in neuroendocrine function.ClinicalTrials.gov registration #: NCT01780623

Light therapy for insomnia symptoms in fatigued cancer survivors: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and insomnia are highly comorbid. This association implies that treatment aimed at improving one may also simultaneously target the other. This secondary analysis examined whether severity of insomnia affects sleep outcomes in response to a light therapy intervention in cancer survivors with CRF. Methods: This 4-week trial recruited cancer survivors who met ICD-10 criteria for CRF. Participants were randomized to receive bright white light (BWL) or dim red light (DRL). Light devices were used daily for 30 minutes over 28 days. Participants completed the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) at baseline, weeks 2 and 4, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, daily sleep diaries and actigraphy at baseline and week 4. ISI scores 0 to 14 represent no/mild symptoms and scores 15+ correspond to moderate-to-severe (clinically significant) insomnia symptoms. Results: Of the 81 participants (BWL: n = 42; DRL: n = 39), 49% had ISI scores ≥15 at baseline. There was a significant group-by-time interaction for insomnia severity (F[2, 75.55] = 4.15, P = .020) and sleep quality (F [1, 39.25] = 7.66, P = .009), favoring the BWL condition for those individuals with no or mild insomnia symptoms. In the moderate-to-severe group, there were time effects for insomnia severity and sleep quality, diary measured wake after sleep onset and sleep efficiency, and actigraphy measured wake after sleep onset and sleep efficiency; however, participants remained in the clinical range for insomnia symptoms on the ISI and poor sleep quality on the PSQI. Effect sizes were larger, regardless of intervention condition, in participants with moderate-to-severe insomnia symptoms. Conclusions: The severity of insomnia symptoms may impact sleep outcomes in response to a light therapy intervention in cancer survivors with clinical levels of fatigue, but light therapy alone does not appear to be adequate to produce clinically meaningful change in sleep outcomes. Trial registration number: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01780623.

A Pilot Study of Metabolomic Pathways Associated With Fatigue in Survivors of Colorectal Cancer.

Over 30% of cancer survivors experience chronic fatigue. An alteration in energy metabolism is one of the hypothesized mechanisms for cancer-related fatigue (CRF). No studies have evaluated for changes in metabolic profiles in cancer survivors with CRF. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate for differences in metabolic profiles between fatigued and non-fatigued survivors of colorectal cancer (CRC). Survivors were recruited from the surgical outpatient department and the oncology clinic of a medical center in northern Taiwan. Fatigue was assessed using the Fatigue Symptom Inventory. Fasting blood samples were collected on the day the fatigue questionnaire was completed. Metabolomic profile analysis was performed using non-targeted, liquid chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Fold change analyses, t-tests, and pathway analyses were performed to identify differences in metabolomic profiles between the fatigued and non-fatigued survivors. Of the 56 CRC survivors in this study, 28.6% (n = 16) were in the fatigue group. Statistically significant differences in carnitine, L-norleucine, pyroglutamic acid, pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid, spermine, hydroxyoctanoic acid, and paraxanthine were found between the two fatigue groups. In addition, two pathways were enriched for these metabolites (i.e., glutathione metabolism, D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism). Findings from this pilot study provide preliminary evidence that two pathways that are involved with the regulation of ATP production and cellular energy (i.e., glutathione metabolism, D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism) are associated with fatigue in CRC survivors. If these findings are confirmed, they may provide new therapeutic targets to decrease fatigue in cancer survivors.