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Why does chemo cause fatigue?

Page last modified on: November 20, 2008
Question from Praisejoy: Why does chemotherapy rob us of energy?
Answers —Generosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.P.: Chemotherapy has traditionally been associated with fatigue. Some of that may be due to the fact that it can cause anemia and lowering of the white blood count. Some is probably the direct effect of the drug on rapidly dividing cells in the body such as the gut, etc. Again, the specific reason why chemotherapy causes fatigue is not necessarily well understood. Sometimes the fatigue can be handled by reducing the dose, sometimes by using other drugs to raise the red blood cell count and correct anemia, and sometimes we use drugs such as Ritalin (chemical name: methylphenidate) or Provigil (chemical name: modafinil) to help alleviate some of the fatigue.
Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: You can read more about managing fatigue in our special section of Breastcancer.org.

On Wednesday, December 21, 2005, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Updates from San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2005. Generosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.P. and moderator Marisa Weiss, M.D. brought you the highlights of the 2005 Breast Cancer Symposium and answered your questions about the latest diagnostic and treatment options for breast cancer.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Generosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.PGenerosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.P. is the director of the Cooper Cancer Institute and heads the division of hematology/medical oncology at Cooper University Hospital.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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