Cancer-related fatigue: Links with inflammation in cancer patients and survivors

Fatigue is one of the most common and distressing side effects of cancer and its treatment and may persist long after successful treatment completion. Emerging evidence suggests that inflammatory processes may be involved in cancer-related fatigue both during and after treatment. In this review, we consider the evidence for an association between inflammation and fatigue in cancer patients and survivors. Further, we identify potential mechanisms for persistent inflammation, focusing on the HPA axis. Risk factors and treatments for cancer-related fatigue are also discussed. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.