Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Evaluating the Role of Mitochondrial Function in Cancer-related Fatigue
Published on: May 17, 2018
Muscle endurance, cancer-related fatigue, and radiotherapy in prostate cancer survivors
Carlynn A Alt1, Elizabeth M Gore, Marcos L Montagnini
1Exercise Science Program, Marquette University, P.O. Box 1881, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-1881, USA.
Introduction:
In this study we investigated muscle and cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in prostate cancer survivors (CS) undergoing radiotherapy (RT).
Methods:
In 13 CS and 12 controls, CRF was assessed by the Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale--Depression subscale (CES-D), physical activity (accelerometer), and hemoglobin levels (Hb). Muscle measures included strength, activation, contractile properties, and endurance during intermittent dorsiflexion. Testing occurred before and after 6 weeks of RT in CS.
Results:
After RT, the PFS score increased from initial levels in CS only without changes in sleepiness, depression, or physical activity. Hb decreased in CS only [mean (SD): pre, 15 (1.1); post, 14.5 (1.1) g/dl; P = 0.04]. Endurance decreased in CS [mean (SD): pre, 519 (340) s; post, 388 (203) s; P = 0.04] and increased in controls [mean (SD: pre, 616 (387) s; post, 753 (553) s; P = 0.03]. Only endurance was associated with PFS in CS (r = -0.55, P = 0.05).
Discussion:
Muscle endurance is impaired after RT and may contribute to CRF in CS.
Related Concept Videos
Muscle Recovery and Fatigue
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Cancer Survival Analysis
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Treatment Resistant Cancers

