The Biologic Basis of Fatigue

In spite of many remarkable advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of cancer biology, very little attention has been directed toward mechanisms underlying cancer-induced symptoms. Although fatigue is a widely prevalent complication of cancer, there is a paucity of both basic and clinical research in this area. This article details our current knowledge of mechanisms causing cancer-related fatigue and briefly discusses currently available therapeutic options. A framework for addressing gaps in our knowledge and recommendations for future research directions are proposed.