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Pain, depression, and fatigue are common symptoms in cancer populations. They often coexist and have been suggested as a specific symptom cluster. Systemic inflammation (SI) may be a possible common mechanism.

This study examined whether pain, depression, and fatigue exist as a symptom cluster in advanced cancer patients with cachexia and might be related to the presence of SI.

Secondary data analysis was undertaken of two clinical trials in patients with cancer cachexia (n=654). Pain, depression, and fatigue were assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30. Plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured as a marker of SI in a subgroup (n=436). Multivariate analysis and a series of regression analyses were undertaken relating pain, depression, fatigue, and CRP.

Pain, depression …