Health Center clinic studies, treats fatigue caused by cancer therapy

A new clinic at the Health Center’s Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center offers treatment and support for the debilitating fatigue that affects many patients undergoing treatment for cancer.

“Many patients receiving treatment for cancer are seriously affected by fatigue,” says Dr. Jayesh Kamath, an assistant professor of psychiatry, who established the clinic for cancer fatigue and is conducting research into its possible causes and treatments.

“It can cause patients to quit their jobs or retreat from social activities and seriously disrupt their lives,” Kamath says. “And there is a correlation between persistent fatigue and poor prognosis.”

Unfortunately, he adds, many patients believe there is little that can be done about the condition.

Serious fatigue in cancer patients is sometimes related to anemia, thyroid problems, or electrolyte disturbances, all of which can be treated medically with generally good results, he says.

“Fatigue in some cases can also be related to depression and anxiety. Treating the symptoms with medications and with individual or group therapy can benefit the patients.”

One patient in the clinic had been so troubled by fatigue that she was unable to return to work full time for more than a year after successful treatment for breast cancer.

“She was a college professor and could return to work only part time,” says Kamath. After treatment at the clinic, she has returned to work full time and says she wishes she had known about the clinic a year ago.

“We weren’t here a year ago, but it is very gratifying to see her get her life back,” says Kamath.