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Updated: May 9, 2026
08:56
Evaluating the Role of Mitochondrial Function in Cancer-related Fatigue
Published on: May 17, 2018
Cancer-related fatigue in the elderly
A Giacalone1, D Quitadamo, E Zanet
1Medical Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute-IRCCS, via Franco Gallini 2, 33081, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy, agiacalone@cro.it.
Summary
Cancer-related fatigue significantly impacts the elderly, yet remains under-recognized. Early identification and management of fatigue in older cancer patients are crucial for improving quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Oncology
- Cancer Symptom Management
- Aging Research
Background:
- Cancer disproportionately affects individuals aged 65 and older, with 60% of all tumors occurring in this demographic.
- Cancer-related fatigue is a prevalent and debilitating symptom impacting quality of life for cancer patients and survivors.
- Despite its high prevalence (up to 70%) in elderly cancer patients, fatigue is often overlooked in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on cancer-related fatigue in the elderly.
- To highlight the under-recognition and impact of fatigue in older adults with cancer.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted.
- MEDLINE database was utilized for literature identification.
Main Results:
- The precise relationship between the aging process and the development of cancer-related fatigue is not fully elucidated.
- Few studies have specifically investigated the impact of fatigue within the geriatric cancer population.
Conclusions:
- Aging is linked to increased chronic diseases, reduced functional capacity, and heightened stress susceptibility, potentially predisposing individuals to fatigue.
- Given that cancer-related fatigue is particularly debilitating in elderly cancer patients, prompt recognition and comprehensive assessment are recommended.
- Evaluation should include co-existing factors such as anemia, mood disorders, sleep disturbances, and comorbidities like endocrine, metabolic, cardiovascular, and liver diseases.
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