Radiotherapy induced fatigue and its correlates

Abstract

Author(s): Blessy Mohandass*, Smita Singh and Narendra Kumar Bhalla

Up to 80% and 30% of patients, respectively, reported experiencing radiotherapy-induced weariness during radiation therapy and at follow-up visits, which is a frequent early and chronic side-effect of irradiation. Medical and nursing personnel commonly underestimate it; just around 50% of patients discuss it with a doctor, and barely one-fourth of those cases result in the patient being recommended any intervention. Rarely do patients anticipate feeling tired as a side effect of treatment. Weak understanding exists on the genesis, correlates, and prevalence of this frequent symptom. Numerous studies have shown that the location of the tumor and the type of treatment used affect the degree and timing of fatigue. In contrast, individuals receiving radiotherapy for prostate cancer may experience exhaustion due to a reduction in neuromuscular efficiency rather than psychological factors. For instance, psychological mechanisms have been hypothesized to explain fatigue in women receiving radiation therapy for early breast cancer. More than pain, erectile dysfunction, and other canceror treatment-related symptoms, exhaustion can have an overall negative impact on quality of life. Recently published randomized studies on the management of radiotherapy-related fatigue have explored a number of strategies. Although the best approach has not yet been identified, relaxation treatment, group psychotherapy, physical activity, and sleep have all shown some encouraging outcomes. It is necessary to conduct additional methodologically sound research to better understand the causes, ideal prevention, and management of this symptom.

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