Peoples, A.R., Bushunow, P.W., Garland, S.N., Heckler, C.E., Roscoe, J.A., Peppone, L.L., . . . Morrow, G.R. (2015). Buspirone for management of dyspnea in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: A randomized placebo-controlled URCC CCOP study. Supportive Care in Cancer, 24, 1339–1347.
To evaluate whether buspirone alleviates dyspnea in patients with cancer and, secondary, whether it improves anxiety.
Patients with grade 2 or higher dyspnea per OCD tool were randomized to receive buspirone or placebo for a 28-day intervention on a fixed-dose titration. Treatment was discontinued after day 28. Baseline information was obtained including demographic info and MMRCDS. Assessments were then completed using OCD and STAI-S prior to starting protocol, within 5-7 days starting protocol, and after 28 days.
Buspirone did not significantly improve dyspnea or anxiety in patients with cancer.
Buspirone was not an effective treatment option for dyspnea in patients with cancer.
Buspirone should not be used as a treatment option for dyspnea in patients with cancer.