Potential pathophysiological mechanism of cancer-related fatigue and current management

Publication date: Available online 26 November 2014 Source:Formosan Journal of Surgery Author(s): Chi-Tai Yeh , Liang-Shun Wang Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common and crucial disease entity encountered by oncologists, which has been well defined in the International Classification of Diseases (10th Revision). However, CRF is under recognized and difficult to treat. Cancer-related fatigue is frequently associated with advance-staged tumors and cancer therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Several studies have evaluated the use of drug interventions in CRF management but have conflicting results, depending on the population studied and the outcome measures used. Cancer-related fatigue is apparently associated with systemic inflammation that involves chronic activation/deregulation of the immune system. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) approaches may modulate immune functions. Botanical supplements are used worldwide to enhance immune responses and reduce pathogen-associated symptoms. This minireview includes an assessment of the efficacy of drug treatment in managing CRF, and a translational investigation of the anti-CRF activity of TCMs and their isolated components. In addition, we explored the possible mechanisms of action underlying TCM-mediated effects and their roles in immunomodulation. Furthermore, TCMs have demonstrated a spectrum of activities. For instance, TCMs inhibit cyclooxygenase and nitric oxide synthesis, promote free radical ...
Source: Formosan Journal of Surgery - Category: Surgery Source Type: research