Risk factors, pathophysiology, and treatment of hot flashes in cancer.
Hot flashes are prevalent and severe symptoms that can interfere with mood, sleep, and quality of life for women and men with cancer. The purpose of this article is to review existing literature on the risk factors, pathophysiology, and treatment of hot flashes in individuals with cancer. Electronic searches were conducted to identify relevant English-language literature published through June 15, 2012. Results indicated that risk factors for hot flashes in cancer include patient-related factors (eg, age, race/ethnicity, educational level, smoking history, cardiovascular risk including body mass index, and genetics) and disease-related factors (eg, cancer diagnosis and dose/type of treatment). In addition, although the pathophysiology of hot flashes has remained elusive, these symptoms are likely attributable to disruptions in thermoregulation and neurochemicals. Therapies that have been offered or tested fall into 4 broad categories: pharmacological, nutraceutical, surgical, and complementary/behavioral strategies. The evidence base for this broad range of therapies varies, with some treatments not yet having been fully tested or showing equivocal results. The evidence base surrounding all therapies is evaluated to enhance hot flash treatment decision-making by clinicians and patients.
Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
William I
WI
Fisher
Aimee K
AK
Johnson
Gary R
GR
Elkins
Julie L
JL
Otte
Debra S
DS
Burns
Menggang
M
Yu
Janet S
JS
Carpenter
D018674:Adrenergic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001340:Autonomic Nerve Block; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000502:physiology; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D008517:Phytotherapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D013233:Stellate Ganglion / Q000601:surgery; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use
D018674:Adrenergic Antagonists; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists; D014815:Vitamins