Abstract #1099

Brainstem Volume Changes Related to Cognitive Behavior Therapy in Postcancer Fatigue Patients

H. Prinsen¹, H. W.M. van Laarhoven¹, G. Bleijenberg², M. J. Zwarts³, M. van der Graaf⁴,⁵, M. Rijpkema⁶, A. Heerschap⁴

¹Medical Oncology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands; ²Expert Centre Chronic Fatigue, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands; ³Clinical Neurophysiology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands; ⁴Radiology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands; ⁵Clinical Physics Laboratory, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands; ⁶Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands

Until now, little is known about (neuro)physiological factors determining postcancer fatigue, which is a frequently occurring problem, impairing quality of life. The brainstem seems to be an important link in the pathogenesis of fatigue in general and may also be of importance for postcancer fatigue. Therefore, it was investigated if brainstem volume of fatigued cancer survivors is influenced by cognitive behavior therapy. The change in brainstem volume from baseline to follow-up was significantly larger in the therapy condition compared to the waiting list condition. These findings suggest that the brainstem plays a central role in the pathophysiology of postcancer fatigue.