Methylphenidate for fatigue in advanced cancer: a prospective open-label pilot study.
Psychostimulants such as methylphenidate are used for fatigue in cancer patients. We report a prospective, open-label, pilot study of the successful use of methylphenidate to treat fatigue in nine of 11 consecutive patients with advanced cancer. Seven had received radiation or chemotherapy, a median of three weeks (range from one to 30 weeks) prior to methylphenidate. A rapid onset of benefit was noted, even in the presence of mild anemia. Sedation and pain also improved in some. Only one patient had side effects severe enough to stop the medication.
Sarhill
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Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine, World Health Organization Demonstration Project in Palliative Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Walsh
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Nelson
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Homsi
J
J
LeGrand
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Davis
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MP
D000368:Aged; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005221:Fatigue / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate