Mechanisms of Radiation-Induced Fatigue in Breast Cancer
Creators: name: University Of California Office Of The President
Publisher: name: University of California Office of the President
publisherIdentifier: https://ror.org/00dmfq477
publisherIdentifierScheme: ROR
Year: 2024

description: Breast-conserving surgery followed by radiation to the breast is one of the two treatment options for early stage breast cancer, and is selected by more than half of women diagnosed with breast cancer today. While this treatment minimizes surgical intervention, it does have side effects that can affect both physical and emotional well-being. One of the most common side effects of radiation therapy is fatigue. Although typically not debilitating, fatigue can cause significant impairment in quality of life among women undergoing radiation, interfering with daily activities, mood, and social relations at a time when women may already be struggling to cope with the demands of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Fatigue can sometimes persist for months or even years following completion of radiation treatment, causing more significant and enduring disruption in women’s lives. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Despite the prevalence of this symptom, the causes of radiation-induced fatigue are not known. The primary goal of this study is to identify factors that contribute to fatigue in breast cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment. We are particularly interested in how psychological and behavioral responses to breast cancer may impact fatigue. For example, women who feel distressed, out of control, and expect the worst following a breast cancer diagnosis and who make few active efforts to cope with their disease may be more likely to experience symptoms of fatigue. Biological factors may also contribute to fatigue and will be considered here, including changes in the immune system induced by radiation. Physical symptoms and health behaviors that have been linked to fatigue in previous studies will also be examined. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer who are scheduled to receive radiation therapy will be invited to participate in this research study. Participants will be assessed before they begin treatment, at three time points during treatment, and at two follow-up appointments. At each of these assessments, women will complete questionnaires and give blood for immunological analysis. All appointments will be scheduled to coincide with clinic visits to minimize any extra burden for them, and participants will receive a small payment ($50) to partly compensate them for their time. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 To date, there has been minimal research attention focused specifically on side effects of breast cancer treatment, including symptoms of fatigue. Women who experience problems with fatigue during and after treatment have few resources to help them manage this symptom, and may even be reluctant to mention the problem to their physicians. This project will help to advance our understanding of radiation-induced fatigue, paving the way for the development of interventions to reduce this symptom and the disruption it causes during the treatment process. In addition, information gained from this project will help to identify women who are at risk for enduring fatigue and allow us to intervene at an earlier stage to improve long-term quality of life.