Current management of fatigue and anemia in patients with cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the management of fatigue and anemia in patients with cancer.


METHODS
Published literature and clinical experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Anemia is a common cause of cancer-related fatigue. Epoetin alfa increases hemoglobin, decreases transfusion requirements, and improves energy and quality of life in patients with cancer-related anemia. Nonpharmacologic treatment options include exercise, nutrition optimization, and psychosocial interventions. Effective management of fatigue improves overall cancer treatment, quality of life, and functional status.


CONCLUSIONS
Fatigue and anemia are commonly undertreated complications of cancer and its treatment. Oncology nurses play a key role in identifying and managing these conditions.
Mock
Victoria
V
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Olsen
MiKaela
M
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000740:Anemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068817:Epoetin Alfa; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005221:Fatigue / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*; D005260:Female; D006397:Hematinics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000451:nursing*; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000592:standards*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011788:Quality of Life; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D006397:Hematinics; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin; D000068817:Epoetin Alfa