Torta, R., Siri, I., & Caldera, P. (2008). Sertraline effectiveness and safety in depressed oncological patients. Supportive Care in Cancer, 16, 83–91.
To examine the effectiveness and safety of the antidepressant sertraline (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) in treating somatic and emotional symptoms of depression in patients with cancer
To evaluate the effect of sertraline treatment on quality of life (QOL)
The intervention was a 12-week trial with a flexible dose regimen of sertraline. Patients started at a dosage of 25 mg/day, with a possible increase to 100 mg/day. The treatment response was assessed at baseline (T0), week 4 (T1), and week 12 (T2).
Patients were undergoing the active treatment phase of care.
An open-label, noncomparative, prospective pilot study design was used.
Mean daily dose of sertraline was 57.50 (+_18.74) mg at T1 and 57.41 (+_18.10) mg at T2. Both mean depression scores, analyzed by HADS and MADRS scales, and HADS anxiety scores significantly decreased during the 12 weeks of study (all p values < 0.05). Mean Mini-MAC scores showed that hopelessness and anxious preoccupation decreased significantly at T2 compared with T0 (p < 0.05). QOL improved over time (p < 0.05). CGI was improved over the treatment period; however, no statistical tests were involved. No severe adverse effects were observed. Six patients reported varying degrees of side effects (nausea, agitation, insomnia, and dizziness).
Sertraline may be effective for the treatment of depressed outpatients with cancer. However, stronger evidence is needed.
Nurses can inform patients of a possible option to decrease depressive symptoms during chemotherapy.