Meyers, C. A., Weitzner, M. A., Valentine, A. D., & Levin, V. A. (1998). Methylphenidate therapy improves cognition, mood, and function of brain tumor patients. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 16(7), 2522–2527.

Study Purpose

This study was conducted to test whether methylphenidate (MPH) treatment would improve neurobehavioral functioning in patients with malignant glioma.

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

Participants were administered 5 mg of MPH daily, increasing dosage by 5 mg twice daily until a response or dose-limiting toxicity was noted.

Sample Characteristics

  • The number of participants was 30.
  • The average participant age was 40.3 with a range of 15–70.
  • 66.7% of participants were male and 33.3% were female. 
  • 76.7% of participants had anaplastic glioma, 20% had glioblastoma multiforme, and 3.3% had medulloblastoma.

Study Design

The study had a pre- and post-test design.

Measurement Instruments/Methods

  • Digit Span for attention
  • Digit Symbol Substitution Task for graphomotor skills 
  • Hopkins Verbal Learning Test for memory
  • Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT) for verbal fluency
  • Trail Making Test (TMT) Parts A and B for visual attention, motor speed, cognitive flexibility
  • Grooved Pegboard Test for motor speed and dexterity
  • Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for depression
  • State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) for anxiety
  • Functional Independence Measure (FIM) for functional ability to perform activities of daily living

Results

Objective improvements were observed in psychomotor speed, memory, visual-motor function, executive function, and motor speed and dexterity (all p < 0.05). Subjective improvements in improved energy, improved ability to ambulate, better concentration, and brighter mood were reported.

Conclusions

There was a significant improvement noted in cognition that cannot be explained by improved mood or use of glucocorticoids. The authors suggest that stimulants such MPH improve motivation and drive.

Limitations

  • The study had a small sample size.
  • The study was limited to patients with malignant glioma.
  • The study did not specify how long each participant was treated with MPH before the post-test.
  • There was a lack of long-term follow-up.
  • Participants were given variable dosing, so the study cannot recommend one specific dose.
  • There was a large variation in patient age.