Psychosocial Interventions for the Treatment of Cancer-Related Fatigue: An Umbrella Review

Abstract

Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of cancer and one of those referred by patients as the most disabling. However, we still do not have enough evidence to allow us to recommend effective and personalized approaches. Goal: To provide evidence on the efficacy of ASCO-recommended psychosocial interventions for reducing cancer-related fatigue. Methodology: A general quantitative systematic review for nonprimary clinical interventions that allows the collection, synthesis and analysis of already published reviews. Systematic reviews of RTCs were selected as these make up the body of knowledge that provides the most evidence in an umbrella format. The results do not provide clear or comparable evidence regarding the different interventions, with moderate evidence standing out for cognitive interventions and mindfulness. Conclusions: Research gaps, study biases and the need for further research to ask more precise questions and to make reliable recommendations to mitigate the impact of cancer-related fatigue are evident.

Keywords

• cancer
• oncology
• fatigue
• treatment
• “psychosocial interventions” and reviews