From the Guidelines
Yes, gastrointestinal (GI) cancer can cause night sweats, as evidenced by a recent study published in the British Journal of Cancer in 2025 1. Night sweats are listed as one of the non-specific systemic symptoms that some patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) may experience, alongside weight loss and fever. These symptoms can occur due to the body's immune response to cancer cells, which can increase metabolic activity and generate excess heat. It's essential to note that night sweats can be caused by many other conditions, including infections, medications, hormonal changes, and other non-cancerous conditions. If you're experiencing persistent night sweats, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or fatigue, you should consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis. The British Journal of Cancer study 1 highlights the importance of awareness of the presenting features of GIST to avoid delayed diagnosis, and night sweats can be an early warning sign of cancer before other symptoms appear. Another study published in the Journal of Hepatology in 2014 1 also mentions night sweats as a common symptom in advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, further supporting the association between GI cancer and night sweats. However, the most recent and highest-quality study 1 takes precedence in guiding clinical decision-making. Key points to consider include:
- Night sweats can be a symptom of GI cancer, particularly in advanced stages
- Other symptoms like weight loss, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits may accompany night sweats
- A healthcare provider should be consulted for proper evaluation and diagnosis if persistent night sweats occur.
From the Research
GI Cancer and Night Sweats
- Night sweats are a common symptom experienced by patients with advanced cancer, including those with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, with a prevalence ranging from 10%-48% in cancer patients 2, 3.
- The presence of night sweats in cancer patients, including those with GI cancer, can significantly impact their quality of life by interfering with sleep 2, 4.
- While night sweats can be associated with various clinical causes, including malignancies, infections, and autoimmune diseases, they are often nonspecific and may not indicate a serious underlying disorder in primary care settings 3, 5.
Treatment and Management
- Cannabinoids, such as nabilone and dronabinol, have been shown to be effective in managing persistent paraneoplastic night sweats in cancer patients, including those with GI cancer 2, 4.
- Other treatments, such as megestrol acetate and ibuprofen, may also be effective in managing cachexia and related symptoms, including night sweats, in GI cancer patients 6.
- A systematic and cost-conscious approach to evaluation and treatment, including laboratory and imaging studies, may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of night sweats and develop an effective treatment plan 5.