How do you counsel NSCLC patients receiving SBRT on fatigue?

I've noticed that these patients have been having greater than expected fatigue that persists for months after SBRT. This is very different than the fatigue I've been after conventional fractionation where patients improve in a few weeks. Should I be counseling patients on prolonged fatigue?

Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution

The first thing is to warn the patient and their family that fatigue is possible, and that it peaks about 2 weeks after treatment ends. I also remind them that SBRT is like surgery in that it causes some damage that requires energy to repair, so some fatigue is to be expected. Finally, I tell them t...

Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Community Practice

I’ve noticed the opposite. The main complaint from our patients is “achy shoulders” from arms overhead allowing arcs. Very few say they are more tired than baseline. A few report breathing changes, almost all after treatment.

Comments

Radiation Oncologist at Beaumont Health System
I agree with Dr. @Turrisi that the most common ear...

Radiation Oncologist at Kansas City VA Medical Center
Agree, with Dr. @Turrisi, patients with SBRT lung ...

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How do you counsel NSCLC patients receiving SBRT on fatigue?

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