By Ana Espino | Published on March 31, 2026 | 3 min read
Colorectal
cancer (CRC) is among the most common cancers worldwide. Despite therapeutic
advances, a large proportion of patients develop
cancer-related fatigue (CRF),
a multidimensional symptom affecting
physical, emotional, and cognitive
functioning. This fatigue often persists after treatment and significantly
impacts
quality of life and survival.
Pharmacological
treatments remain limited and are associated with adverse effects.
Non-pharmacological approaches, such as physical activity, may face adherence
challenges. In this context, psychosocial interventions are emerging as a
promising alternative, targeting behaviors, emotions, and coping mechanisms.
This systematic
review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, published in 2026 in Supportive
Care in Cancer, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions
on CRF in patients with CRC, as well as their effects on anxiety and
depression.
Can
psychosocial approaches reduce fatigue?
The analysis
included
9 randomized controlled trials involving
1,426 patients with CRC.
Interventions were categorized as
psycho-behavioral approaches,
psychotherapies, and yoga. Outcomes were assessed at short-, medium-, and
long-term follow-up.
The results
showed a
significant reduction in fatigue in the short term, maintained in the
medium term and more modest in the long term. Heterogeneity was high in the
short term but decreased over time, suggesting a stabilization of effects.
Subgroup
analyses indicated that psycho-behavioral interventions were the most
effective, particularly those combining emotional expression with behavioral
strategies. In contrast, standalone psychotherapies and yoga did not
demonstrate significant effects on fatigue.
Regarding
associated symptoms, a
significant reduction in depressive symptoms was
observed in the short and medium term. However, no significant effects were
found for
anxiety, despite a favorable trend.
These effects
may be explained by improvements in
health behaviors—such as physical activity,
sleep, and diet—as well as by changes in
cognitive and emotional processes
involved in fatigue.
Toward a
comprehensive approach to fatigue management
Cancer-related
fatigue in colorectal cancer remains a major clinical challenge, insufficiently
addressed by current approaches. This study sought to clarify the role of
psychosocial interventions in its management.
The findings
suggest that these interventions—particularly
psycho-behavioral approaches—can
achieve a
significant and sustained reduction in fatigue, along with beneficial
effects on depressive symptoms.
However,
limitations include
substantial heterogeneity, a
low-to-moderate level of
evidence, and a limited number of studies, especially in the long term.
Although
further large-scale trials are needed to confirm these results, they highlight
the potential of psychosocial interventions as a complementary therapeutic
strategy. In the future, their integration into care pathways could enable a
more
comprehensive, personalized, and effective management of cancer-related
fatigue in colorectal cancer.
Read next: Colorectal cancer: is the risk on the plate?
About the author – Ana Espino
PhD in Immunology, specialized in Virology
As a scientific writer, Ana is passionate about bridging the gap between research and real-world impact. With expertise in immunology, virology, oncology, and clinical studies, she makes complex science clear and accessible. Her mission: to accelerate knowledge sharing and empower evidence-based decisions through impactful communication.
