J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2010 Jan;49(1):11-19.

Anxiety and Pharmacological Interventions in Cancer Patients : Systematic Review

• Kang JI
• Kim JH

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Cancer patients experience various types of anxiety, from normal fears to pathological anxiety, through the entire process of the illness. This anxiety requires attention, because it may interfere with their cancer treatment and result in a negative impact on quality of life. The present paper aimed to provide an overview of current pharmacotherapy for anxiety in the oncology setting, by systematically reviewing the related literature.
METHODS
We searched both international and Korean domestic databases with the search terms "cancer", "anxiety", and "pharmacological treatment", targeting between 1980 and 2008, and graded the evidence levels according to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN).
RESULTS
Of 215 studies searched, we selected only 22 pharmacological clinical studies. There was no meta-analysis or systematic review of psychopharmacotherapy for anxiety disorders among cancer patients. Also, we reviewed a few expert opinions and available clinical trials on anxiety in general.
CONCLUSION
Based on the limited evidence, the present review provides an understanding and some recommendations for treating anxiety in cancer patients. Further investigation of psychopharmacotherapy for anxiety in cancer patients is warranted, to develop evidence-based guidelines for comprehensive cancer care.

Keyword

Cancer; Anxiety; Pharmacotherapy; Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; Anti-anxiety agents; Systematic review

MeSH Terms

Anti-Anxiety Agents
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Expert Testimony
Humans
Quality of Life
Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
Anti-Anxiety Agents
Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors