Williams, S., & Dale, J. (2006). The effectiveness of treatment for depression/depressive symptoms in adults with cancer: A systematic review. British Journal of Cancer, 94(3), 372–390.
To review systematically the efficacy of psychotherapeutic and antidepressant interventions for cancer patients with depression or symptoms of depression
Some evidence suggests that antidepressants are effective in reducing symptoms of depression in patients with cancer, and overall tolerability of antidepressants appeared to be good. Cognitive behavioral therapy was effective in reducing symptoms of depression. An intervention that might be effective is the social-support group.
Findings suggest that antidepressants, cognitive behavioral interventions, and support group interventions can have a positive impact on symptoms of depression in patients with cancer. Variability in findings suggests that these interventions are likely to be of most benefit to patients who actually have clinically defined symptoms of depression. There is a need for further research of the efficacy of antidepressants in the patients studied. Studies in this area should include data regarding use of any cointerventions for depression.