Pharmacologic treatment of cancer-related fatigue

Fatigue is the most commonly reported symptom in patients with cancer, with a prevalence of over 60% reported in the majority of studies. This paper systematically reviews pharmacologic agents in the treatment of cancer-related fatigue (CRF). We conducted a literature review of clinical trials that assessed pharmacologic agents for the treatment of CRF. These agents include hematopoietics ( for anemia), corticosteroids, and psychostimulants. Other therapeutic agents that are less well studied for CRF but are currently the focus of clinical trials include L-carnitine, modafinil, bupropion, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as paroxetine.