Can Common Psychostimulants Ease Cancer-Related Fatigue?
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that methylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate can modestly improve cancer-related fatigue compared to placebo. Improvements were observed at around 5 weeks of treatment, with no significant increase in adverse events. The findings suggest these medications could provide earlier relief while longer-term strategies take effect.
- ▪Cancer-related fatigue affects nearly three quarters of people living with cancer and is often undertreated.
- ▪The meta-analysis included 823 patients from nine randomized trials evaluating the effects of methylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate.
- ▪Modest but statistically significant improvements in fatigue scores were observed, particularly after 5 weeks of treatment.
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TOPLINE:An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials found that methylphenidate (MPH; Ritalin) and dexmethylphenidate (d-MPH; Focalin) were associated with modest improvements in cancer-related fatigue compared with placebo, with effects reaching clinically meaningful levels by about 5 weeks of treatment and no significant increase in treatment-emergent adverse events.METHODOLOGY:Cancer-related fatigue affects nearly three quarters of people living with cancer but remains one of the most undertreated symptoms in oncology.
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