Inflammation and cancer-related fatigue: mechanisms, contributing factors, and treatment implications.

TitleInflammation and cancer-related fatigue: mechanisms, contributing factors, and treatment implications.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2013
AuthorsBower JE, Lamkin DM
JournalBrain Behav Immun
Volume30 Suppl
PaginationS48-57
Date Published2013 Mar
ISSN1090-2139
KeywordsAnimals, Fatigue, Humans, Inflammation, Neoplasms, Risk Factors
Abstract

Fatigue is one of the most common and distressing side effects of cancer and its treatment, and may persist for years after treatment completion in otherwise healthy survivors. Guided by basic research on neuro-immune interactions, a growing body of research has examined the hypothesis that cancer-related fatigue is driven by activation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine network. In this review, we examine the current state of the evidence linking inflammation and cancer-related fatigue, drawing from recent human research and from experimental animal models probing effects of cancer and cancer treatment on inflammation and fatigue. In addition, we consider two key questions that are currently driving research in this area: what are the neural mechanisms of fatigue, and what are the biological and psychological factors that influence the onset and/or persistence of inflammation and fatigue in cancer patients and survivors? Identification of the mechanisms driving cancer-related fatigue and associated risk factors will facilitate the development of targeted interventions for vulnerable patients.

DOI10.1016/j.bbi.2012.06.011
Alternate JournalBrain Behav. Immun.
PubMed ID22776268
PubMed Central IDPMC3978020
Grant ListR01 CA160427 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States