Here's a meta-analysis on using psycho-stimulants to treat cancer related fatigue.
Best,
Steve
"Effect of methylphenidate in patients with cancer-related fatigue: a systematic review and meta-analysis," S Gong et al, PLoS One. 2014 Jan 8;9(1):e84391
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common symptom affecting patients with cancer. There are an increasing number of trials examining potential treatments for CRF. Methylphenidate represents one of the most researched drugs and an up-to-date assessment of the evidence for its use is needed. Trials of methylphenidate for CRF provided inconsistent results. This meta-analysis was aimed at assessing the effect and safety of methylphenidate on CRF.
METHODS: We comprehensively searched the Pubmed, EMBASE, PSYCHInfo and the Cochrane databases in order to identify published studies on the effect of methylphenidate on CRF. Primary outcomes included fatigue. Secondary outcomes included depression, cognition and adverse effects.
FINDINGS: A meta-analysis was conducted on five randomized controlled trials and 498 patients were enrolled. Despite a large placebo effect observed in the studies included, pooled data suggested therapeutic effect of methylphenidate on CRF. Subgroup Analyses showed that the efficacy of methylphenidate on CRF is getting better with prolonging treatment duration, with a MD of -3.70 (95% CI -7.03- -0.37, p = 0.03) for long-time group and a MD of -2.49 (95% CI -6.01-1.03, p = 0.17) for short-time group. In general, there was no impact of methylphenidate on depression and cognition associated with CRF. Adverse events were similar between methylphenidate and placebo groups except that more patients reported vertigo, anxiety, anorexia and nausea in methylphenidate group compared to placebo group.
CONCLUSION: Existing trials of methylphenidate on CRF provided limited evidence for the use of methylphenidate to treat CRF. The absolute numbers still remain small, and further confirmation is needed before firm recommendations on their usage and safety can be made in the treatment of CRF
Forums
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Steve - Name: Steve
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: December 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 55
Re: Ritalin or Adderall for fatigue?
Another study. This indicates exercise is a potent tool for cancer survivors.
I 'Spect that includes Myelomers in remissive states.
Good Luck.
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Conclusion
The purpose of the current article was to review the literature and provide up-to-date evidence on the specific effects of physical activity and how best to promote physical activity among cancer survivors, as well as conduct an epidemiologic study delineating the relationship between objectively measured physical activity and various biomarkers among cancer survivors.
From the literature review, the authors found that cancer survivors are relatively inactive, but the promotion of physical activity among this population is highly encouraged because it may help to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and cancer-related mortality, increase cancer treatment rates, reduce pain and other side effects associated with cancer treatment, improve physical and mental health, and improve biologic parameters associated with various chronic diseases. With regard to the latter, the results from the authors' epidemiologic examination extend previous work by showing that objectively measured physical activity, including light-intensity physical activity, is associated with several understudied biomarkers (i.e., WBC, neutrophils, and insulin resistance) that are linked with cancer recurrence, cancer-related mortality, and other chronic diseases (Coussens & Werb, 2002; Erlinger, Muntner, & Helzlsouer, 2004; Mantovani & Pierotti, 2008; Oh et al., 2011; Park, Lim, Shin, & Yun, 2006). The authors encourage future research related to physical activity promotion among cancer survivors to focus on individuals with cancers other than breast cancer because the majority of studies reviewed focused on breast cancer survivors.
I 'Spect that includes Myelomers in remissive states.
Good Luck.
* * * * * *
Conclusion
The purpose of the current article was to review the literature and provide up-to-date evidence on the specific effects of physical activity and how best to promote physical activity among cancer survivors, as well as conduct an epidemiologic study delineating the relationship between objectively measured physical activity and various biomarkers among cancer survivors.
From the literature review, the authors found that cancer survivors are relatively inactive, but the promotion of physical activity among this population is highly encouraged because it may help to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and cancer-related mortality, increase cancer treatment rates, reduce pain and other side effects associated with cancer treatment, improve physical and mental health, and improve biologic parameters associated with various chronic diseases. With regard to the latter, the results from the authors' epidemiologic examination extend previous work by showing that objectively measured physical activity, including light-intensity physical activity, is associated with several understudied biomarkers (i.e., WBC, neutrophils, and insulin resistance) that are linked with cancer recurrence, cancer-related mortality, and other chronic diseases (Coussens & Werb, 2002; Erlinger, Muntner, & Helzlsouer, 2004; Mantovani & Pierotti, 2008; Oh et al., 2011; Park, Lim, Shin, & Yun, 2006). The authors encourage future research related to physical activity promotion among cancer survivors to focus on individuals with cancers other than breast cancer because the majority of studies reviewed focused on breast cancer survivors.
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Rneb
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