Navari, R.M., Brenner, M.C., & Wilson, M.N. (2008). Treatment of depressive symptoms in patients with early stage breast cancer undergoing adjuvant therapy. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 112, 197–201.
To investigate whether the oral antidepressant fluoxetine affected symptoms of depression, adjuvant treatment completion, or quality of life
Intervention was daily oral fluoxetine (20 mg) for 6 months. Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Data were collected at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months.
Four community outpatient settings
Active treatment
Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with double blinding
The use of fluoxetine for six months in each adjuvant therapy group (chemotherapy alone, hormonal therapy alone, chemotherapy plus hormonal therapy), was associated with, compared to the control group:
An antidepressant may be effective for patients with early-stage breast cancer who have symptoms of depression and who are receiving adjuvant treatment. Given study limitations, more evidence is needed.
Oncology nurses can inform patients that oral fluoxetine may be an option for decreasing symptoms of depression.