Use of methylphenidate in patients with cancer.
Cancer and its treatment are often associated with symptoms such as depression, somnolence, cognitive abnormalities, and fatigue. Methylphenidate, a stimulant medication, is commonly used to treat these symptoms. Several small pilot and a few adequately powered studies have assessed the safety and efficacy of methylphenidate in patients with cancer Overall, the studies so far suggest that methylphenidate is well-tolerated in patients with cancer Further, the studies have provided initial evidence of efficacy of this agent in patients with cancer The present article reviews the evidence base behind the use of methylphenidate in these patients.
Sood
Amit
A
Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA.
Barton
Debra L
DL
Loprinzi
Charles L
CL
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D006970:Disorders of Excessive Somnolence / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D005221:Fatigue / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate