Non-pharmacological interventions for cancer-related fatigue

Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common and most distressing side effects of cancer and its treatment. Non-pharmacological interventions may have lower side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate non-pharmacological approaches to treat cancer related fatigue. We searched the databases of ISI, Medline, Google scholar, SID, Magiran and Iranmedex, The literature search was conducted between the years 1980-2014. The results of 87 full text relevant articles were evaluated. Most evidence, suggests the effectiveness of exercise and acupuncture on reducing cancer-related fatigue during and after cancer treatments. Studies on psychosocial support, sleep and nutrition promotion, and some of complementary and alternative medicine, such as massage, touch, herbal medicine, yoga, relaxation and meditation are possibly useful and effective to reduce or eliminate the cancer-related fatigue. All treatments discussed in this study were noninvasive(except acupuncture), low risk and relatively inexpensive methods, which can be used with current treatments or even be replaced for drugs. It is hoped that these studies will be used for evidence-based practice to reduce fatigue in cancer patients.