Research into cancer fatigue
Fatigue means feeling very tired, exhausted, and lacking energy. Many people with cancer say fatigue is one of the symptoms that impacts them most. Researchers around the world are looking into what causes fatigue and how to treat it.
Go to Cancer Research UK’s clinical trials database if you are searching for a UK trial looking at fatigue. You should talk to your specialist if there are any open trials that you think you might be able to take part in.
Some of the trials on this page are now closed and have stopped recruiting people. It takes time before the results are available. This is because the trial team follow the patients for a period of time and collect and analyse the results. We have included this ongoing research to give examples of the type of research taking place. This includes research looking at the causes and treatment of fatigue.
When searching through the trials database, click on both the recruiting and closed tabs at the top of the page.
Research and clinical trials
All treatments must be fully researched before they can be used for everyone. This is so we can be sure that they:
- work
- work better than the treatments already available
- are safe
Research into the causes of fatigue
The exact cause of fatigue is still unclear. Researchers want to understand the biology of how cancer related fatigue happens. Once they know this, they can look for treatments that might be able to help.
Researchers are looking at the information inside the cells that control how we look and function. They want to check for changes that might be linked to how fatigue develops. They also think that different cancers and their treatments affect how fatigue develops.
There is some evidence to say that fatigue is related to inflammation and the body’s immune response. Researchers think genes that control inflammation are a possible risk factor for people who have long term fatigue.
Knowing who is likely to have long term fatigue, could mean doctors can help lower the effects of fatigue in people early on in their treatment.
In many cancers, cells within the body release higher levels of chemicals. These chemicals are called cytokines. Researchers are looking into the link between cytokines and fatigue.
Research into reducing fatigue
Researchers are looking into a number of different treatments that may help to reduce fatigue.
Exercise to reduce fatigue
Exercise can increase your energy levels and can help you to feel better about yourself and your condition.
There is evidence that certain ways of being active can help people with cancer. It depends on your individual situation as to what you will be able to do. You should speak to your doctor, physiotherapist or nurse before starting exercise.
One study is looking at combining mindfulness, walking, and a strength training programme. The trial team wants to find out if the programme:
- improves quality of life and
- reduces levels of fatigue
More research is needed to find out how much exercise people need to do and how often.
Drugs
Researchers are looking at a drug called methylphenidate (Ritalin). They want to find out if it can help relieve moderate to severe tiredness caused by 
.
Methylphenidate is a treatment for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It can help improve attention and concentration.
Massage therapy
A team of researchers are looking at the research done so far into massage therapy. This type of research is called a systematic review.
They want to find out if massage is safe and how well it works in people to reduce cancer related fatigue.
Herbal medicines
Some studies have looked at herbal medicines such as ginseng and guarana. The researchers found that ginseng helped some people with fatigue. Other trials that looked at using guarana reported no clear benefit.
More research is needed with larger groups of people. This will give us better information about the benefits and risks of taking these herbal treatments.
Light therapy
Researchers are looking at whether light therapy could improve the symptoms of cancer related fatigue. They already know it works for some people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This is a type of depression that follows the change in season.
Researchers want to find out:
- about the best amount of light
- about the long term effects
- how long the light therapy may work for
More research is needed in this area.
How fatigue after cancer treatment affects how people process information
We know from research that having severe fatigue can affect how people think. It might cause problems with attention and concentration.
The study team are looking at whether people can change how they process information. And if people can get back to how they were before they started feeling fatigued.
To do this the researchers are asking participants to use a computer training programme. They want to know if:
- people can use this programme and if it’s useful
- this programme helps to improve concentration and manage fatigue
Apps to help reduce fatigue
Researchers are increasingly looking at the use of apps to help people manage their symptoms. For example, an app is available to help adults manage cancer related fatigue. The trial team want to find out how well it works and whether newer versions are better.
