According to Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers, a drug prescribed for rheumatoid
arthritis, etanercept, has been found to alleviate some of the fatigue and
muscle-wasting cancer patients suffer while undergoing chemotherapy. The researchers explain that fatigue and
muscle wasting associated with cancer are largely caused when immune cells release a substance known as tumor necrosis
factor, TNF. Although TNF has been studied for its anti-cancer properties, recent studies indicate that TNF promotes
tumor growth instead of slowing it down. These findings are based on a very small study involving 24 cancer patients.
But, as the researchers point out, the chemotherapy-induced fatigue suffered by cancer patients can get in the way of
continued chemotherapy. Won't it be nice when chemotherapy, as a cancer therapy, is a thing of the past -- replaced
with cancer therapies that only target the cancer without damaging the healthy body.Note: The contents of this blog are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or substitute for professional care. For medical emergencies, dial 911!
New help for chemotherapy fatigue
According to Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers, a drug prescribed for rheumatoid
arthritis, etanercept, has been found to alleviate some of the fatigue and
muscle-wasting cancer patients suffer while undergoing chemotherapy. The researchers explain that fatigue and
muscle wasting associated with cancer are largely caused when immune cells release a substance known as tumor necrosis
factor, TNF. Although TNF has been studied for its anti-cancer properties, recent studies indicate that TNF promotes
tumor growth instead of slowing it down. These findings are based on a very small study involving 24 cancer patients.
But, as the researchers point out, the chemotherapy-induced fatigue suffered by cancer patients can get in the way of
continued chemotherapy. Won't it be nice when chemotherapy, as a cancer therapy, is a thing of the past -- replaced
with cancer therapies that only target the cancer without damaging the healthy body.
