Relationship between fatigue and nutritional status in patients receiving radiation therapy to treat lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the relationship between fatigue and nutritional status in patients receiving radiation therapy for lung cancer.

METHODS

Prospective, observational study.

METHODS

Radiation therapy department of a large mid-western cancer center.

METHODS

45 adults with primary cancer of the lung receiving outpatient primary or adjuvant radiation therapy.

METHODS

Measurements taken before radiation therapy, at week four of treatment, and at completion included the Piper Fatigue Scale, prealbumin levels, and weights.

METHODS

Fatigue, nutritional status.

RESULTS

Weight loss over the course of treatment was significant but did not correlate with fatigue; fatigue did not change significantly during the measurement period.

CONCLUSIONS

Fatigue and nutrition are major problems for patients with lung cancer, but nutritional changes do not correlate with fatigue. An increase in fatigue during radiation therapy was not identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses should continue efforts to intervene with the problems of nutrition and fatigue. The study should be repeated using different fatigue Instruments and with other cancer populations.