Fatigue patterns observed in patients receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy

The purpose of this study was to describe the patterns of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and vigor in patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Five studies that measured fatigue and vigor with the Profile of Mood States were used to describe the pattern of CRF and vigor during and after both types of treatment. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to determine differences over time in each study. Results demonstrate different patterns of CRF for patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy-related CRF peaks in the days after chemotherapy, whereas radiation therapy-related CRF gradually accumulates over the course of treatment. The CRF associated with both forms of treatment gradually declines over time. The prevalence, intensity, and persistence of CRF during treatment and for months after treatment is complete make this symptom one that cannot be ignored.