Inverse relationship between reduced fatigue and severity of anemia in oncology patients treated with integrative medicine: understanding the paradox

摘要

Objective To assess the impact of integrative medicine (IM) on cancer-related fatigue in patients undergoing chemotherapy for early and advanced breast and gynecological ( ovarian , endometrial , and cervical ) cancer. Methods Patients reporting significant levels of fatigue (on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), or Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing questionnaire (MYCAW)) were offered complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) treatments in addition to standard supportive care. Patients who did not undergo IM treatments were designated as controls. Attending at least five CIM treatments less than 30?days between each session was considered as high adherence to integrative care (AIC). Results Of 258 eligible patients reporting significant fatigue, follow-up assessment at 6 and 12?weeks was considered optimal for 120 patients in the intervention group and for 64 controls; 88 of treated patients found to be adherent to the IM intervention. At 12?weeks, ESAS ( P ?