Treatment of cancer-related fatigue: an update

Support Care Cancer. 2003 Feb;11(2):79-83. doi: 10.1007/s00520-002-0406-8. Epub 2002 Oct 31.

Abstract

Fatigue, a common complaint of cancer patients, requires a multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment approach because of the multiple etiologies and contributing factors. Current treatments for fatigue include educating patients and caregivers about fatigue, applying etiology-specific treatments, utilizing nonpharmacologic interventions, and prescribing pharmacologic therapies. Often, an individualized treatment plan that includes several modalities may be developed. Presently, there is a lack of well-designed clinical trials to evaluate pharmacologic agents for the treatment of cancer-related fatigue.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / therapeutic use*
  • Exercise
  • Fatigue / etiology*
  • Fatigue / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Methylphenidate / therapeutic use*
  • Neoplasms / complications*
  • Quality of Life

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Methylphenidate