Title:The Use of Methylphenidate for Physical and Psychological Symptoms in Cancer Patients: A Review
VOLUME: 19 ISSUE: 8
Author(s):Beatrice Ng Andrew, Ng Chong Guan* and Nik Ruzyanei Nik Jaafar
Affiliation:Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Department of Psychiatry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kaula Lumpur
Keywords:Methylphenidate, cancer, fatigue, depression, cognition, pain.
Abstract:Background: One of the goals of cancer treatment is symptoms management especially at
the end stage. The common symptoms in cancer include pain, fatigue, depression and cognitive dysfunction.
The available treatment options for symptom management are limited. Methylphenidate, a
psychostimulant, may be of benefit for these patients. In this report, we review the use of methylphenidate
for symptoms control in cancer patients.
Method: Electronic literature search on PubMed was conducted using the following keywords: methylphenidate,
cancer, carcinoma, oncology, oncological and tumour. We identified forty two relevant
studies and publications on the use of methylphenidate in cancer patients to be included in this review.
Results: Methylphenidate was found to have some evidence in reducing opioid-induced sedation, improving
cognitive symptoms and reduction of fatigue in cancer patients. Nevertheless, the results were
inconsistent due to variations in the study populations, study design and outcome measures, among
others. There was minimal evidence on its use in treating depression. Otherwise, methylphenidate was
generally well-tolerated by patients.
Conclusion: This review potentially supports the use of methylphenidate for opioid-induced sedation,
cognitive decline and fatigue in cancer patients. Further placebo-controlled trials would help in
strengthening the evidence for this treatment.
