The use of psychostimulants in cancer patients

Abstract

Purpose of review: This article reviews the most recent studies that examine the efficacy of psychostimulants for the relief of symptoms such as asthenia and depression in cancer patients.

Recent findings: Although most research to date has focused on the use of methylphenidate for the relief of symptoms such as asthenia and depression in cancer patients, there is growing interest in the use of modafinil, a psychostimulant with a structure and mechanism that differs from other drugs belonging to this group. Initial studies mainly investigated the treatment of depressive symptoms in patients with advanced cancer; however, more recent studies have evaluated the use of psychostimulants in cancer-related fatigue identifying subgroups of patients and clinical settings in which psychostimulants are most efficient.

Summary: For the relief of chemotherapy symptoms in cancer patients, methylphenidate and modafinil were no more effective than placebo, although findings suggest that these psychostimulants may provide some benefit in patients who are suffering more severe asthenia or who are at advanced stages of the cancer. Methylphenidate showed marginal improvement in relation to symptoms such as asthenia and depression in studies in which it was compared with placebo; data from the only phase III study suggest that modafinil is an effective drug for advanced oncology patients.