PRACTICE CHANGER
Recommend American ginseng (1,000 mg bid) for four weeks to improve cancer-related fatigue in patients who are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy; no other treatment has been shown to be effective.1
STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION
B: Based on a single well-done randomized controlled trial (RCT).1
ILLUSTRATIVE CASE
A 54-year-old woman is receiving chemotherapy for adenocarcinoma of the right breast (T2N1M0) and has persistent, disabling fatigue. She has been unable to work or care for her family since starting chemotherapy. She says she gets enough sleep and denies being depressed or in pain. Lab testing for anemia and thyroid dysfunction is negative. Is there a safe and effective intervention?
On the next page: Study summary >>