Acute and Chronic Effects of Adjuvant Therapy on Inflammatory Markers in Breast Cancer Patients.

Background: Inflammation contributes to poor behavioral, functional, and clinical outcomes in cancer survivors. We examined whether standard cancer treatments-radiation and chemotherapy-led to acute and persistent changes in circulating markers of inflammation in breast cancer patients.

Methods: A total of 192 women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer provided blood samples before and after completion of radiation and/or chemotherapy and at 6-, 12-, and 18-month posttreatment follow-ups.

Do all patients with cancer experience fatigue? A longitudinal study of fatigue trajectories in women with breast cancer.

Background: Fatigue is a common and expected side effect of cancer treatment. However, the majority of studies to date have focused on average levels of fatigue, which may obscure important individual differences in the severity and course of fatigue over time. The current study was designed to identify distinct trajectories of fatigue from diagnosis into survivorship in a longitudinal study of women with early-stage breast cancer.

Testing a biobehavioral model of fatigue before adjuvant therapy in women with breast cancer.

Background: Fatigue is one of the most common and disabling side effects of cancer and its treatment. Although research typically has focused on fatigue that occurs during and after treatment, patients may experience fatigue even before treatment onset. The current study was designed to identify biobehavioral risk factors associated with fatigue before adjuvant therapy in women with early-stage breast cancer.

Yoga reduces inflammatory signaling in fatigued breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Yoga is a popular mind-body therapy that has demonstrated beneficial effects on psychological, behavioral, and functional outcomes. However, few studies have investigated effects on inflammatory processes. This study tested the hypothesis that an Iyengar yoga intervention specifically designed for fatigued breast cancer survivors would lead to decreases in inflammation-related gene expression and circulating markers of proinflammatory cytokine activity.

Yoga for persistent fatigue in breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Cancer-related fatigue afflicts up to 33% of breast cancer survivors, yet there are no empirically validated treatments for this symptom.

Methods: The authors conducted a 2-group randomized controlled trial to determine the feasibility and efficacy of an Iyengar yoga intervention for breast cancer survivors with persistent post-treatment fatigue. Participants were breast cancer survivors who had completed cancer treatments (other than endocrine therapy) at least 6 months before enrollment, reported significant cancer-related fatigue, and had no other medical conditions that would account for fatigue symptoms or interfere with yoga practice.

Yoga for persistent fatigue in breast cancer survivors: results of a pilot study.

Approximately one-third of breast cancer survivors experiences persistent fatigue for months or years after successful treatment completion. There is a lack of evidence-based treatments for cancer-related fatigue, particularly among cancer survivors. This single-arm pilot study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a yoga intervention for fatigued breast cancer survivors based on the Iyengar tradition.

Yoga for cancer patients and survivors.

Background: Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years to improve physical and emotional well-being. Empirical research on yoga has been ongoing for several decades, including several recent studies conducted with cancer patients and survivors.

Methods: This review provides a general introduction to yoga and a detailed review of yoga research in cancer.