Nonpharmacologic approach to fatigue in patients with cancer.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the potential of mindfulness-based stress reduction as a nonpharmacologic intervention for cancer-related fatigue.
Results Summary
The abstract suggests mindfulness-based stress reduction appears promising for managing cancer-related fatigue but lacks convincing evidence compared to other interventions like physical activity and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Population
Cancer patients and survivors experiencing fatigue.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Physical activity | decrease | cancer-related fatigue | patients with moderate to severe fatigue | - | have the most supportive data and can be recommended to patients with confidence | #1 |
educational interventions | decrease | cancer-related fatigue | patients with moderate to severe fatigue | - | have the most supportive data and can be recommended to patients with confidence | #2 |
cognitive-behavioral therapy | decrease | cancer-related fatigue | patients with moderate to severe fatigue | - | have the most supportive data and can be recommended to patients with confidence | #3 |
general education on CRF | decrease | cancer-related fatigue | cancer patients and survivors | - | is something that most care providers can readily offer patients as part of routine care | #4 |
mindfulness-based stress reduction | decrease | cancer-related fatigue | - | - | appear promising but are as yet lacking convincing evidence | #5 |
yoga | decrease | cancer-related fatigue | - | - | appear promising but are as yet lacking convincing evidence | #6 |
acupuncture | decrease | cancer-related fatigue | - | - | appear promising but are as yet lacking convincing evidence | #7 |
Reiki | decrease | cancer-related fatigue | - | - | may be worthy of further investigation | #8 |
Qigong | decrease | cancer-related fatigue | - | - | may be worthy of further investigation | #9 |
hypnosis | decrease | cancer-related fatigue | - | - | may be worthy of further investigation | #10 |
music therapy | decrease | cancer-related fatigue | - | - | may be worthy of further investigation | #11 |
Cancer-related fatigue is a common yet underappreciated problem with a significant impact on functional ability and quality of life. Practice guidelines mandate that all cancer patients and survivors be screened for cancer-related fatigue (CRF) at regular intervals. Comorbidities that could contribute to fatigue should be treated, and patients with moderate to severe fatigue should undergo a comprehensive evaluation. Nonpharmacologic interventions are important tools to combat CRF and should be incorporated into routine practice. Physical activity, educational interventions, and cognitive-behavioral therapy have the most supportive data and can be recommended to patients with confidence. From a practical standpoint, general education on CRF is something that most care providers can readily offer patients as part of routine care. Other interventions that appear promising but are as yet lacking convincing evidence include mindfulness-based stress reduction, yoga, and acupuncture. Reiki, Qigong, hypnosis, and music therapy may be worthy of further investigation.