Methylphenidate in the management of asthenia in breast cancer patients treated with docetaxel: results of a pilot study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The objectives of this pilot study were to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the central nervous system stimulant methylphenidate in the management of asthenia in breast cancer patients treated with docetaxel.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Patients with early breast cancer who presented asthenia >3 on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) after the first cycle of docetaxel-based chemotherapy were included. Patients received two additional cycles of chemotherapy, one with methylphenidate (10 mg bid) and the other without methylphenidate. Asthenia was evaluated using VAS and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Fatigue (FACT-F) scale. Distress was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and quality of life using FACT-F.

RESULTS:

Ten patients were included and evaluated for efficacy and safety. Overall, cycles with methylphenidate were better tolerated than those without methylphenidate in terms of asthenia (VAS, p = 0.004; FACT-F, p = 0.027) and quality of life (FACT-F, p = 0.047). No significant differences were observed in terms of distress (HADS, p = 0.297). Six (60%) patients continued with methylphenidate after study end. Main adverse events during study were palpitations and insomnia (30% of patients each).

CONCLUSIONS:

This pilot study suggests that methylphenidate may reduce asthenia and improve quality of life in breast cancer patients treated with docetaxel.

• Authors: Juan F Cueva, Marcos Calvo, Urbano Anido, Luis León, Elena Gallardo, Carmen Areses, Beatriz Bernárdez, Lucía Gayoso, Jorge García, María Jesús Lamas, Teresa Curiel, Francisca Vázquez, Sonia Candamio, Yolanda Vidal, Francisco Javier Barón, Rafael López
• Journal: Investigational new drugs (Invest New Drugs) Vol. 30 Issue 2 Pg. 688-94 (Apr 2012) ISSN: 1573-0646 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 20844926 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Phase II, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Central Nervous System Stimulants
• Taxoids
• Docetaxel
• Methylphenidate

Topics

• Activities of Daily Living
• Adult
• Aged
• Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols (adverse effects)
• Asthenia (chemically induced, diagnosis, drug therapy, psychology)
• Breast Neoplasms (drug therapy, pathology)
• Central Nervous System Stimulants (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Cross-Over Studies
• Docetaxel
• Female
• Humans
• Methylphenidate (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Middle Aged
• Pilot Projects
• Prospective Studies
• Quality of Life
• Severity of Illness Index
• Spain
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Taxoids (adverse effects)
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome