Torta, R., Siri, I., & Caldera, P. (2008). Sertraline effectiveness and safety in depressed oncological patients. Supportive Care in Cancer, 16, 83–91.

Sertraline was started at a dosage of 25 mg/day in a single daily dose, with a possible dosage increase based on individual response and tolerability until 100 mg/day. A minimum dosage of 50 mg/day had to be reached. Patient outcomes were assessed at baseline (T0), week 4 (T1), and week 12 (T2).

• The study was comprised of 35 adult patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy treatment with mood depression (scoring greater than five on the SCID-PO scale-depression subscale).
• The majority of patients were female (85.7%) and were diagnosed with colorectal cancer (20%), breast cancer (54.3%), lung cancer (8.6%), and onco-hematologic pathology (17.1%).

Psychooncology Unit, St. Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Turin, Italy

Patients were undergoing the active treatment phase of care.

The study used a pilot, open-label, noncomparative, prospective design.

Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)

For lassitude (fatigue), a subitem on the MADRS, there was a significant difference between baseline and week 12. Between baseline and week 4, an improvement was evident but not significant. Fatigue was not a major outcome.

• The study had a small sample size.
• The study had an open-label design without a control group.
• There was heterogeneity in terms of cancer stage and diagnosis.