2023 North America Conference on Lung Cancer (NACLC) - Posters and Abstracts-PP01.136 Beom-joon Lee NACLC23 Abstract

PP01.136 Beom-joon Lee NACLC23 Abstract

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Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a significant symptom that affects the quality of life in patients with lung cancer. However, there is limited research on the characteristics of CRF in lung cancer and its relationship with cancer treatment. In this study, the authors aimed to explore the unique features of CRF in patients with lung cancer and investigate its influencing factors. <br /><br />Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 adult patients until data saturation was reached. The collected data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis, incorporating established CRF domains. Electronic medical records were also used for data triangulation. <br /><br />The analysis revealed five themes of CRF: energy depletion and impairment of daily activities, uncomfortable sensations throughout the body and changes in sensory perception, feeling down and anxious, cognitive impairment, and feeling isolated. <br /><br />It was found that CRF tends to improve over time, except for persistent emotional fatigue beyond 6 months. The group that underwent surgery followed by adjuvant cancer treatment reported the most diverse CRF symptoms. The concurrent chemoradiation therapy group experienced significant physical fatigue, while the radiosurgery group reported distinct emotional fatigue. Certain factors such as exercise can serve as both alleviating and aggravating factors for CRF. <br /><br />The authors concluded that tailored interventions that consider the multidimensional symptoms of CRF and patient characteristics are crucial. These findings will inform healthcare professionals when implementing patient-centered symptom management and patient education. <br /><br />This research was supported by a grant from the Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute. The study provides valuable insights into understanding CRF in lung cancer patients and highlights the need for personalized support and care.

Keywords

Cancer-related fatigue

lung cancer

quality of life

CRF characteristics

cancer treatment

patient interviews

qualitative analysis

diverse CRF symptoms

emotional fatigue

patient-centered care