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01-02-2007 | Review Article

The treatment of depression in cancer patients: a systematic review

Authors: Gary Rodin, Nancy Lloyd, Mark Katz, Esther Green, Jean A. Mackay, Rebecca K. S. Wong, Supportive Care Guidelines Group of Cancer Care Ontario Program in Evidence-based Care

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 2/2007

Abstract

Goals of the work:

To evaluate the efficacy of pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments for depression in cancer populations.

Materials and methods:

The Supportive Care Guidelines Group conducted a systematic review of the published literature through June 2005. Search sources includes MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Library. Comparative studies of treatments for depression in cancer patients were selected for review by two group members based on predefined criteria.

Main results:

Seven trials of pharmacological agents and four of nonpharmacological interventions were identified. Two trials detected a significant reduction in depressive symptoms for mianserin compared with placebo, and one trial found alprazolam to be superior to progressive muscle relaxation. Four drug trials found no significant difference between groups on depression measures although posttreatment reduction of symptoms was observed for all groups in two trials comparing active treatments (fluoxetine vs desipramine and paroxetine vs amitriptyline). Of the four trials involving nonpharmacological therapies for the management of depression, two detected a benefit for treatment (a multicomponent nurse delivered intervention and an orientation program) over usual care.

Conclusion:

There is limited evidence for the effectiveness of pharmacological and psychosocial interventions in the treatment of cancer patients with depressive disorders, and no evidence for the superiority of one treatment modality over another. Based on evidence from the general population and other medically ill populations, combined approaches to the treatment of depression may be the most effective. Further research is necessary in cancer patients to determine the relative effectiveness of psychosocial, pharmacological, and combined treatments.

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Title: The treatment of depression in cancer patients: a systematic review
Authors: Gary Rodin
Nancy Lloyd
Mark Katz
Esther Green
Jean A. Mackay
Rebecca K. S. Wong
Supportive Care Guidelines Group of Cancer Care Ontario Program in Evidence-based Care
Publication date: 01-02-2007
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 2/2007
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-006-0145-3

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Abstract

Goals of the work:

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Main results:

Conclusion:

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