Redd, W.H., Valdimarsdottir, H., Wu, L.M., Winkel, G., Byrne, E.E., Beltre, M.A., . . . Ancoli-Israel, S. (2014). Systematic light exposure in the treatment of cancer-related fatigue: A preliminary study. Psycho-Oncology, 23, 1431–1434.

DOI Link

Study Purpose

To evaluate the impact of bright white light exposure on fatigue among cancer survivors

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

Patients were randomized to receive bright white light or dim red light treatment, using a lightbook device that used light-emitting diode (LED) light. Participants were instructed to self-administer the treatment at home by placing the light box at a 45-degree angle, 18 inches from the face, for 30 minutes every morning for four weeks. Study questionnaires were completed at baseline, after two weeks, at four weeks, and three weeks after study completion.

Sample Characteristics

  • N = 36  
  • MALES: 19%, FEMALES: 81%
  • KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Patients with multiple types of cancer. Initial curative treatment had been completed. Patients were an average of 17 months post diagnosis.
 

Setting

  • SITE: Single site  
  • SETTING TYPE: Home    
  • LOCATION: New York

Phase of Care and Clinical Applications

  • PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment

Study Design

  • Randomized, controlled trial

Measurement Instruments/Methods

  • Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)-Fatigue scale

Results

Fatigue declined in all over time. At all study time points, the white light group had less fatigue (p = 0.00125). The pattern of change in fatigue also differed between groups. In the red light group, fatigue improved at two weeks but became worse at four weeks and at follow-up. At the end of four weeks, no patients in the bright white light condition were still clinically fatigued.

Conclusions

Daily exposure to bright white light was associated with a significant reduction in fatigue.

Limitations

  • Small sample (< 100)
  • Risk of bias (no control group)
  • Risk of bias (no blinding)
  • No information is provided about any other interventions received for fatigue during the study.

Nursing Implications

The findings suggest that exposure to bright white light can be an effective alternative in managing fatigue. This is a relatively low-cost and low-risk intervention that may be helpful. Further research in this area is warranted.