[Fatigue and radiotherapy. Literature review]

Cancer Radiother. 2001 Nov:5 Suppl 1:131s-138s.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Fatigue is a common complaint for the cancer patient during and after radiotherapy, according to the published studies. Fatigue is a subjective symptom mostly underestimated by oncologists and other care givers. Etiology is complex, poorly understood in spite of obvious causes like insomnia, nausea, pain, depression, psychological distress, anemia, hypothyroidism, menopause disturbances, treatment adverse effects. Fatigue presents multifactorial and multidimensional aspects. To evaluate it, many tools can be used as single-item, unidimensional and multidimensional instruments. Practically, the open discussion with the patient throughout radiotherapy is essential to define it. Taking charge fatigue requires its acknowledgment by radiotherapist, treatment of associated symptoms with a multidisciplinary approach.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anemia / complications
  • Depression / complications
  • Fatigue / etiology*
  • Fatigue / physiopathology
  • Fatigue / therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypothyroidism / complications
  • Nausea / complications
  • Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Pain / complications
  • Pain / etiology
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / complications
  • Stress, Psychological