Fatigue in Melanoma Treatment: What to Expect and How to Manage It

Fatigue is very common during melanoma treatment and can happen with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted treatments. ^{[1] [2]} It may feel like extreme tiredness or low energy that isn’t fully relieved by sleep and can affect daily activities. ^[3]

Why Fatigue Happens

• Chemotherapy can cause fatigue and reduced appetite, making daily tasks harder. ^[1]
• Radiation therapy commonly leads to fatigue, sometimes alongside nausea or skin irritation. ^[2]
• Immunotherapy can trigger fatigue directly and, in some cases, through thyroid changes that reduce energy. ^[4]
• Targeted therapies (such as BRAF/MEK inhibitors and other agents) often list fatigue among the most frequent side effects. [PM13]
• Cancer itself and its treatments can both contribute to fatigue; the exact mix of causes varies by person. ^{[5] [6]}

What Fatigue Feels Like

Fatigue during cancer care is typically more persistent and intense than normal tiredness and is not fully relieved by rest. ^[3] People may feel weak, sleepy, or unable to do usual activities or things they enjoy. ^{[7] [8]}

Practical Self‑Care Strategies

• Take short, planned rest breaks or naps (about 15–20 minutes; limit to around 1 hour if napping). ^{[4] [7] [9] [8]}
• Prioritize tasks; focus energy on the most important activities first. ^{[9] [8]}
• Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet to support energy levels. ^{[9] [8]}
• Try gentle, regular exercise (like walking), which can gradually improve energy and mood. ^[8]
• Ask friends and family to help with errands or chores when needed. ^[8]
• Avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel overly tired. ^{[7] [8]}

Medical Support and When to Call Your Team

• Your care team may check thyroid function during immunotherapy because thyroid changes can worsen fatigue. Treating thyroid issues can improve energy. ^[4]
• Side effects from targeted therapy are often managed with temporary dose holds, supportive care, or dose reductions; don’t adjust doses on your own always consult your clinician. [PM13]
• If fatigue is severe, rapidly worsening, or accompanied by other symptoms (like fever, shortness of breath, dizziness, or confusion), reach out to your care team promptly; early support can prevent complications. ^{[5] [6]}

Treatment‑Specific Notes

• Chemotherapy: Some regimens cause only mild side effects, but others can lead to pronounced fatigue and appetite loss. ^[1]
• Radiation therapy: Fatigue is a common effect during and after treatment; your doctors may recommend medicines or integrative services to help. ^[2]
• Immunotherapy: Fatigue can start quickly or build over time; monitoring thyroid levels is routine, and tailored strategies can help you cope. ^[4]
• Targeted therapy (BRAF/MEK inhibitors, MEK inhibitors like trametinib, and combinations such as dabrafenib + trametinib): Fatigue is among the most frequent side effects and is usually managed with dose interruptions and supportive care when needed. [PM13]
• Other BRAF inhibitors (e.g., vemurafenib): Patient guidance emphasizes pacing, hydration, short naps, and task prioritization to manage fatigue. ^[9]

Daily Routine Tips

• Keep a simple energy journal to identify times of day when you feel best and schedule key activities then. ^[3]
• Break tasks into smaller steps, and plan short rests between them to avoid overexertion. ^[3]
• Maintain good sleep hygiene: consistent bedtime, limiting screen time before bed, and a calm sleeping environment. ^[3]
• Consider supportive therapies (nutrition counseling, physical therapy, or gentle mind‑body practices) recommended by your care team to complement medical management. ^[2]

Bottom Line

Fatigue is common across melanoma treatments and often manageable with practical lifestyle strategies and timely medical support. ^{[1] [2]} Monitoring for treatable causes (like thyroid changes during immunotherapy) and adjusting therapy when appropriate can make a meaningful difference in day‑to‑day energy. ^[4] [PM13]