Dealing with the lack of evidence to treat depression in older patients with cancer: French Societies of Geriatric Oncology (SOFOG) and PsychoOncology (SFFPO) position paper based on a systematic review

• Published in: Supportive care in cancer 2021-02, Vol.29 (2), p.563-571
• Main Authors: Beauplet, Bérengère, Soulie, Ophélie, Niemier, Jean-Yves, Pons-Peyneau, Cécile, Belhadi, Drifa, Couffignal, Camille, Fossey-Diaz, Virginie
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Age Factors; Aged; Antidepressive Agents - therapeutic use; Cancer; Depression - diagnosis; Depression - etiology; Depression - therapy; Depressive Disorder, Major - diagnosis; Depressive Disorder, Major - etiology; Depressive Disorder, Major - therapy; Drug therapy; Geriatrics; Humans; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Mental depression; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Neoplasms - psychology; Nursing; Nursing Research; Older people; Oncology; Pain Medicine; Prospective Studies; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rehabilitation Medicine; Retrospective Studies; Review Article; Systematic review
• ISSN: 0941-4355; 1433-7339
• DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05682-9

Introduction Depression symptoms, frequently diagnosed in older patients with cancer, impacts on oncological treatment feasibility. The Francophone Society of Geriatric Oncology (SOFOG) has initiated a systematic review on depression treatment in older patients with cancer, to advocate guidelines. Data sources Medline via PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL. Methods We included randomized and non-randomized controlled trials, reviews and meta-analysis, retrospective and prospective cohort studies, qualitative studies, and guidelines published between January 2013 and December 2018 that involved depression with cancer in which the entire sample or a sub-group aged 65 and above. Efficacy and tolerance of depression treatment were examined, as a primary or secondary outcome, among articles published in French or English. Results Of 3171 references, only seven studies met our eligibility criteria. This systematic review reveals a lack of evidence-based knowledge in this field, preventing from making any recommendations on drug and non-drug therapies. It has highlighted the need for multidisciplinary collaboration with the French and Francophone Society of Psycho-Oncology. Conclusion In clinical practice, we advise health professionals to use the screening process not as a result but rather as an opportunity to engage with the patient and also to question the need for antidepressants and non-drug therapies.