Cancer-Related Fatigue Casts a Dark Shadow Over the Quality of Life of Cancer Patients

Abstract

Dynamic changes of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) among colorectal cancer patients treated by chemo-or radiochemotherapy and, in addition, by supportive care with a specific mistletoe preparation, were determined. Patients completed anamnestic interviews at the beginning of the post-surgical therapy, in the midst of the intended-to-treat therapy and at the end of the chemo-or chemo-radio therapy. The retrospective results suggested that inflammatory processes are involved in CRF. Comorbidities were associated with the prevalence and severity of CRF. The supportive care delivered by mistletoe application during the postsurgical treatment period was able to decrease CRF symptoms and to improve quality of life.