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Research: WILLIAMS and DALE,
Listed in Issue 130
Abstract
WILLIAMS and DALE, Division of Health in the Community, Centre for Primary Health Care Studies, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK, have reviewed (68 references) the effectiveness of treatment for depression in patients with cancer.
Background
Depression is common in cancer patients, and this often remains undetected and untreated. Depression has been associated with poorer quality of life, in addition to increased impairment of immune response and poorer survival in cancer patients.
Methodology
Systematic review of the literature.
Results
There is limited trial data on the efficacy of prescribed antidepressants in reducing the incidence of major depression and depressive symptoms in cancer patients. A number of small-scale, single-centre trials indicated that psychotherapeutic interventions can have effects on depressive symptoms in cancer patients. However, given the methodological limitations of studies to date, lack of evidence should not be interpreted as implying lack of efficacy.
Conclusion
There is a need for adequately powered studies of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions targeted at cancer patients with a diagnosis of depression and include monitoring the use of other pharmacological/psychotherapeutic and CAM interventions.
References
Williams S, Dale J. The effectiveness of treatment for depression/depressive symptoms in adults with cancer: a systematic review. British Journal of Cancer 94 (3): 372-390, Feb 13, 2006.
