Symptom Networks and Core Symptoms in Patients with Solid Tumors Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review.

Semin Oncol NursJul 30, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchOncology (Medical)

Ruo-Lin Li, Xin-Yan Zhang, Yi-Wen Zhou et al.

✦ AI-curated · Sources linked

In 30 seconds

This systematic review analyzed symptom networks in 13,452 adults with solid tumors undergoing chemotherapy. It identified fatigue as the most common core symptom, appearing in 50% of studies, and highlighted the variability of core symptoms across cancer types and treatment phases. The review synthesized data from 27 studies employing various designs.

Key findings

  • Fatigue was identified as a core symptom in 50% of studies.
  • Sadness, lack of appetite, and nausea were core symptoms in 10% of studies.
  • Bridge symptoms included disturbed sleep, lack of appetite, and dry mouth in 28.6% of studies.
  • Temporal associations indicated that sadness and dyspnea predicted changes in appetite and distress.

Why it matters

Understanding symptom networks and core symptoms can enhance symptom management strategies in oncology. Recognizing the relationships among symptoms allows for more tailored interventions, potentially improving patient outcomes during chemotherapy.

Source

Published in Semin Oncol Nurs. This summary was written by xxcode from the publication's abstract and metadata. It is not peer reviewed and is not a substitute for the original article. For clinical decisions, review the original publication.

ShareTelegramLinkedIn

AI-generated summaries may contain errors or omissions. Verify clinically important information with the original publication.

More in Oncology (Medical)

Want this personalized?

Stop searching the literature. Choose what you follow and xxcode will build your personalized medical digest.

  • Your specialties
  • Your filters and thresholds
  • Clinical Research + Case Reports, tuned separately
  • Automatic weekly delivery
  • Audio and text

Prefer listening? Personalized audio digests are available with Pro.

Stay updated for free

Get the 3 most interesting publications in one specialty each week.

Weekly email. Unsubscribe anytime.