This study determined the prevalence of severe fatigue in GIST patients compared to matched healthy controls, the impact of fatigue on daily life, and associations between fatigue and current TKI use.
One hundred nineteen patients treated with surgery and/or a TKI for GIST were asked to participate. Participants completed questionnaires including the Checklist Individual Strength–Fatigue Severity scale (CIS-fatigue), Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire–Core 30, Fatigue Catastrophizing Scale, Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.
Eighty-nine GIST patients (75%) completed questionnaires, 61 patients (69%) were on a TKI. Prevalence of severe fatigue measured with CIS-fatigue was significantly higher in GIST patients (30%) than in 234 matched healthy controls (15%). The prevalence of severe fatigue did not differ significantly between patients receiving treatment with curative (29%) or palliative intent (36%). Severely fatigued patients reported lower QoL and more impairment on all functional domains. TKI use, more psychological distress, and lower physical functioning were associated with fatigue.
Severe fatigue occurs in 30% of GIST patients and in 33% of GIST patients on a TKI. The fatigue is disabling and is not only associated with current TKI use but also with psychological distress and physical functioning. GIST patients should be informed about these associated factors of fatigue that deserve appropriate management.