Effect of bright light therapy on cancer-related fatigue and related symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether bright light therapy (BLT) could mitigate cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and improve related symptoms like sleep quality, insomnia, depression, and quality of life in cancer patients.
Results Summary
BLT significantly reduced CRF (SMD = -0.92, p < 0.00001) and showed promise in improving sleep quality, insomnia, depression, and quality of life, though further exploration is needed. The intervention had minimal adverse effects.
Population
Cancer patients experiencing cancer-related fatigue.
Effective Dosage
≥10,000 lx (intensity not further specified).
Duration
4 weeks (longer or less intense interventions also showed effectiveness).
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
bright light therapy (BLT) | decrease | Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) | cancer patients | SMD = -0.92, 95% CI: -1.45 to -0.40, p < 0.00001 | significantly reduced | #1 |
bright light therapy (BLT) | increase | sleep quality | cancer patients | - | improving | #2 |
bright light therapy (BLT) | increase | insomnia | cancer patients | - | improving | #3 |
bright light therapy (BLT) | decrease | depression | cancer patients | - | reducing | #4 |
bright light therapy (BLT) | increase | QoL | cancer patients | - | enhancing | #5 |
A 4-week BLT intervention with ≥10,000 lx | decrease | CRF | cancer patients | - | recommended for preventing and treating | #6 |
longer or less intense interventions | decrease | CRF | cancer patients | - | showing effectiveness | #7 |
BLT | no change | adverse effects | cancer patients | minimal | exhibited minimal adverse effects | #8 |
OBJECTIVE: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common side effect in cancer patients, possibly due to disrupted circadian rhythms. While bright light therapy (BLT) is known to modulate circadian rhythms, its role in mitigating CRF remains unclear. This study examined the impact of BLT on CRF and other related symptoms. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS databases were searched. The trials were selected according to the PRISMA guidelines. The severity and quality of CRF and related symptoms were investigated in post-BLT intervention. RESULTS: Twelve trials involving 691 were included. BLT significantly reduced CRF (SMD = -0.92, 95% CI: -1.45 to -0.40, p < 0.00001, I CONCLUSION: BLT is a promising intervention for managing CRF in cancer patients. Its efficacy in improving sleep quality, and insomnia, reducing depression, and enhancing QoL requires further exploration. A 4-week BLT intervention with ≥10,000 lx is recommended for preventing and treating CRF, with longer or less intense interventions also showing effectiveness. Otherwise, BLT exhibited minimal adverse effects.