Abstract
Background
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) reduces quality of life and the activity level of patients
with cancer. Data regarding CRF from Indian population are limited. The present study
was aimed to understand the prevalence of CRF in Indian patients and its impact on
quality of life.
Methodology
This prospective observational study was conducted at SVS Medical College, Telangana,
India, for a duration of 6 months. The study included 100 adult patients with cancer
receiving treatment at the institute and willing to consent for the study. The patients
with brain metastases were excluded as it might impact their ability to complete study
procedures. Patients' demographics, disease and treatment details, etc. were collected.
Patients were interviewed to assess the level of fatigue using the EORTC QLQ-C30 (European
Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core
30) scale and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) fatigue intensity scale.
The analysis of data was performed using chi-square and analysis of variance tests.
Result
In our study of 100 Indian patients (49 males and 51 females), mean age was 43.78
years. Breast cancer and gastric cancer were the most common diagnosis, with 22 patients
each. Treatment protocols included radiotherapy in 63 patients and chemotherapy in
37 patients. As per the EORTC QLQ-C30 scale, proportion of patients with normal, mild,
moderate, and severe level of fatigue were 9, 15, 44, and 32%, respectively. As per
the NCCN scale, proportion of patients with no or mild, moderate, and severe fatigue
were 9, 47, and 44%, respectively.
Conclusion
Our study suggests that among the Indian patients with CRF, higher proportion of patients
have moderate or severe level of fatigue. Appropriate assessment and management of
CRF should be considered in the patients for overall management.
Keywords
cancer-related fatigue - chemotherapy - physical activity - pharmacological - radiotherapy
- integrative therapies
