In the LIFT study 2000 cancer patients will be recruited at 6 months after diagnosis and extensively surveyed over five years on factors that are associated with fatigue.
The LIFT study aims to comprehensively investigate characteristics, determinants, and long-term course of fatigue. In addition, information shall be gained on the current state of fatigue treatment and care in Germany and on the needs of affected patients. Data will be collected by mailed or online questionnaires at 6, 9, and 12 months as well as 2, 3, 4 and 5 years post-diagnosis from 2000 cancer patients. Besides questionnaires on socio-demographic, clinical and patient reported outcomes, saliva samples will be collected in order to gain new insights into biological mechanisms. Moreover, detailed data on screening, diagnosis and counseling as well as therapies offered and administered to reduce fatigue will be surveyed, as well as the patients' state of knowledge, perception and prevailing needs regarding fatigue. Tumor and cancer therapy data will be extracted from the Epidemiological Cancer Registry. The results of the LIFT study aim to contribute to an improved, evidence-based and individualized treatment to avoid and ease cancer-related fatigue and will further promote patient-oriented offers and treatments.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Fatigue severity
assessed by EORTC QLQ-FA12 (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Fatigue Questionnaire)
Time frame: from diagnosis to 1 year post-diagnosis
Impact of fatigue
assessed by the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI)
Time frame: from diagnosis to 1 year post-diagnosis
State of fatigue management
Questionnaire assessing the adherence to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines regarding management of cancer-related fatigue
Time frame: from diagnosis to 1 year post-diagnosis
Quality of life functions and symptoms
assessed by EORTC QLQ-C30
Time frame: 6, 9, 12 months and 2, 3, 4, and 5 years post-diagnosis
Sleep problems
assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)
Time frame: 6, 9, 12 months and 2, 3, 4, and 5 years post-diagnosis
Depression
assessed by Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)
Time frame: 6, 9, 12 months and 2, 3, 4, and 5 years post-diagnosis
Body mass index
calculated from weight and height
Time frame: 6, 9, 12 months and 2, 3, 4, and 5 years post-diagnosis
Total physical activity
assessed by a questionnaire regarding walking, cycling, and exercise behavior
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Time frame: 6, 9, 12 months and 2, 3, 4, and 5 years post-diagnosis
Diurnal cortisol rhythm
assessed in saliva
Time frame: 1 year post-diagnosis
Return to work
assessed by a questions regarding occupational issues
Time frame: 6, 12 months and 2, 3, 4, and 5 years post-diagnosis
Hot flashes
assessed only for women
Time frame: 6, 9, 12 months and 2, 3, 4, and 5 years post-diagnosis
Anxiety
assessed by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7)
Time frame: 6, 9, 12 months and 2, 3, 4, and 5 years post-diagnosis