Baseline Fatigue and Severe Toxic Effects in Patients With Cancer Receiving Systemic Therapy

Is baseline patient-reported fatigue associated with subsequent cancer treatment−related adverse events?In this cohort study and pooled analysis of 7086 patients from 17 SWOG phase 2 and 3 randomized clinical trials, patients who reported baseline fatigue had a significantly higher risk of severe, life-threatening, and fatal adverse events. In addition, a dose-response pattern was observed, with patients reporting high fatigue vs no fatigue having a nearly 5-fold increased risk of fatal toxic effects.Patient fatigue reported before cancer treatment may serve as an early clinical marker of risk for toxic effects and could help guide personalized treatment strategies.

Corresponding Author: Joseph M. Unger, PhD, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N, M3-C102, PO Box 19024, Seattle, WA 98109-1024 (junger@fredhutch.org).

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