Analyzing the Symptoms in Cancer Patients [Chronobiological Investigations]

In summary, the recent increase in the knowledge of the signaling mechanisms in the circadian axis along with a fuller understanding of the interaction of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family of ligands and how they can interact with the brain have led to a new hypothesis that the symptom complex of fatigue, poor appetite, and sleep disruption in cancer patients are related to altered hypothalamic circadian signaling. These early observations are being tested further, and in the near future may also guide therapeutic interventions in selected cancer patients with anti-EGFR therapies for the explicit use for managing common side effects.