Characterizing the course of fatigue and its determinants in children with cancer

Purpose and aimsCancer-related fatigue has consistently been found to be one of the most prevalent and distressing symptoms in childhood cancer survivors. Two crucial research gaps have been identified: predictors and longitudinal development.

The overall aim of the research project is to characterize the course of fatigue and its determinants in children with cancer, and to develop a biopsychosocial model of fatigue.Method and project planData for this project have already been collected at The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology in the Netherlands, as part of standard care for 2000 families.

Previous research has shown that survivors of childhood cancer have fatigue scores that are substantially poorer than healthy norms. Hence, growth curves must be established for survivors based on a biopsychosocial model. Quantitative statistical methods will be used for the analysis.

The growth curve model is a specific multivariate linear model used for analyzing longitudinal data, as the model allows for analysis of growth in repeated measures.Clinical importanceThis project focuses on survivorship, as fatigue is so distressing for survivors of childhood cancer. The results will be implemented in clinical practice and used as a communication tool during consultations.

By comparing individual survivors to the appropriate growth curve rather than health norms, clinicians can identify when an individual patient is lagging behind compared to peers.