Fatigue

Mayer C, Walch O, Dempsey W, Hannay K, Clingan C, et al.

A circadian and app-based personalized lighting intervention for the reduction of cancer-related fatigue.

Cell Reports Medicine 6, 102001 March 18, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrm.2025.102001


Mustian K, Lacchetti C, Zick S, et al.

Management of fatigue in adult survivors of cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology – Society for Integrative Oncology (ASCO-SIO) Guideline update clinical insights.

JCO Oncol Pract 2024;1575-1579

The following abstract summary applies to both above ASCO Guidelines:

During cancer treatment: exercise, CBT, mindfulness-based programs and tai chi or qigong are recommended; psychoeducation and ginseng may be recommended.

For survivors: CBT and mindfulness-based programs help patients with moderate to severe fatigue; exercise is also recommended. Yoga, acupressure and moxibustion may be recommended.

For patients at the end of life: CBT (if time and attention allow) and corticosteroids

NOT RECOMMENDED: L-carnitine, antidepressants, wakefulness agents, or standing psychostimulants. (Stone PC, Minton O, Richardson A, et al. Methylphenidate versus placebo for treating fatigue in patients with advanced cancer: randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Oncol 2024;42:2382-2392).


Bower JE, Lacchetti C, Alici Y, et al.

Management of fatigue in adult survivors of cancer: ASCO-Society for Integrative Oncology guideline update.

J Clin Oncol 2024;42:2456-2487


oncology supportive care

About Dr. Abrahm

Janet Abrahm, MD is Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. She is among the founders of Palliative Care in the United States and the author of four comprehensive books on supportive and palliative care for patients with cancer. Dr. Abrahm is a former practicing oncologist who created the Palliative Care Service at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute over 20 years’ ago. She is an award-winning clinician and educator and continues to practice palliative care at Dana Farber.

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oncology supportive care

Dr. Abrahm's Book

Dr. Abrahm is the author of four comprehensive editions 
on supportive and palliative care for patients with cancer, the first published in 2000 and the latest in 2022.

Her extensive work offers oncologists and other oncology and palliative care clinicians a place to turn to find the most up-to-date evidence-based practices, resources, and practical advice on how to care for patients across the full range of issues they will experience during their illness.

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