Mar Fan, H.G., Clemons, M., Xu, W., Chemerynsky, I., Breunis, H., Braganza, S., & Tannock, I.F. (2008). A randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of the effects of d-methylphenidate on fatigue and cognitive dysfunction in women undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. Supportive Care in Cancer, 16(6), 577–583.
To investigate the effects of dexmethylphenidate (d-MPH) on fatigue and cognitive function in women undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer
Participants were randomized to a placebo group or a treatment group receiving d-MPH. The treatment group was started on 5 mg twice a day of d-MPH. If this was well-tolerated, the dose was increased one week later to 10 mg twice a day. The treatment group then continued taking d-MPH at a maximum of 10 mg twice a day until the end of the final cycle of chemotherapy. If participants did not tolerate 10 mg twice a day, the dose was reduced to 5 mg twice a day for the remainder of their treatment.
Three hospital-based outpatient clinics in Toronto, Canada
Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
No difference was seen between groups on any of the cognitive assessments completed at baseline, end of chemotherapy, and at six-month follow-up.
The study failed to demonstrate a beneficial effect of d-MPH on either fatigue or cognitive dysfunction during adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer.