Cytokine Response to Subclinical Cytomegalovirus Reactivation as a Cause of Severe Fatigue in Women Undergoing Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
Abstract
We hypothesized that reactivation of the common herpesvirus cytomegalovirus (CMV) might contribute to severe cancer treatment related fatigue (CTRF) in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. To test this, we carried out a prospective clinical study. 24 women were enrolled and studied before, during and after chemotherapy. Self-reported fatigue levels were recorded, and serum, PBMC and urine samples were cryopreserved for each time point. Cytokine analysis revealed that serum IL-6 levels rose during the course of chemotherapy and that they correlated significantly with fatigue levels. 14 subjects were CMV seropositive, and 10 seronegative. CMV seropositives and seronegatives were not different in age, race, or socioeconomic status. Initial analyses reveal no difference in fatigue or cytokine levels based on CMV serostatus. Thus, preliminary analysis does not confirm our hypothesis. However, some final CMV-related studies of T cell responses remain to be completed, and these may reveal a relationship between CMV reactivation and fatigue in a subset of women. Our study thus supports the theory that chemotherapy induced fatigue is due to inflammation, but does not support a relationship with CMV reactivation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA599305
Entities
People
- Ann Hill
Organizations
- Oregon Health & Science University