Cytokine Response to Subclinical Cytomegalovirus Reactivation as a Cause of Severe Fatigue in Women Undergoing Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
Abstract
Cancer treatment related fatigue (CTRF) has a major impact on quality of life both during and after treatment, and the causes are not completely understood. The major aim of this study is to determine whether the activation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) by chemotherapy contributes to the severity of CTRF for women going through chemotherapy treatment for stage I-III breast cancer. The long-term goals of this work are to determine whether CMV reactivation can cause CTRF, to understand the mechanism, to identify patients at risk for CMV-induced CTRF prior to chemotherapy, in order to conduct a clinical trial of anti- CMV drug treatment to prevent CTRF in susceptible individuals. This study will evaluate fatigue and immune parameters (cytokines and T cells) in equal numbers of CMV+ and CMV- women, 26 in all, undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy for stage I- III breast cancer. We will study women prior to the start of chemotherapy and at home visits in the weeks between treatments, because this is when fatigue is greatest. Sixteen eligible and interested breast cancer patients have enrolled in the study during the first 12 months of active recruitment, 15 of who have had successful baseline and subsequent testing appointments. Of the 12 participants tested so far, 64% are CMV seropositive. Preliminary analysis for all blood and urine outcomes measured will be measured in October, 2012.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA574866
Entities
People
- Lisa J. Wood
Organizations
- Oregon Health & Science University