Spots Global Cancer Trial Database for Patient Controlled Administration of Methylphenidate for Cancer Related Fatigue - PRN Methylphenidate

Study Description

Brief Summary: The goal of this clinical research study is to evaluate the effectiveness of ritalin (methylphenidate) taken on an as needed basis for the management of cancer related fatigue. The effects of methylphenidate on pain, mood, and sedation will be evaluated. Researchers will also evaluate the level of fatigue throughout the day and any possible causes of fatigue.

Detailed Description: Fatigue is a major problem in cancer patients. Methylphenidate is a drug currently FDA approved for the treatment of attention deficit disorder and narcolepsy (sleep disorder). Methylphenidate has shown a benefit in improving thinking and decreasing drowsiness and pain in cancer patients taking opioids (pain killers). Methylphenidate has also shown a rapid response in treating depression. Participants in this study will at first have an evaluation of their fatigue, ability to sleep, and they will answer a set of general symptom questions. It will take about 20 minutes to complete the evaluation. Participants will have a blood test called TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) performed to rule out the possibility of thyroid dysfunction as cause of fatigue. The study will last for 7 days. Participants will be able to take up to four methylphenidate tablets a day on an as needed basis for fatigue. Participants will keep a daily diary where they will record their fatigue rating (0-10) before and 2 hours after taking methylphenidate. The research nurse will contact participants daily by phone (in person for in-patients) to make sure the daily diary is being filled out, to ask about side effects of treatment, and to ask participants to rate their fatigue at four times during the past day and about any possible causes of fatigue. On the 7th day of treatment, participants will be evaluated in the palliative care clinic or by telephone. Evaluation of fatigue, ability to sleep, and general symptoms along with an evaluation of side effects and effectiveness of methylphenidate will be performed. The evaluation will take about 15 minutes to complete. If participants develop intolerable side effects while on study, the medication will be stopped and they will be removed from the study. If participants find the drug beneficial and wish to continue taking it, they will be given a prescription for methylphenidate and can be followed as an outpatient in the palliative care clinic. Participants who choose to continue the medication will be evaluated at the end of 4 weeks for fatigue, ability to sleep, and general symptoms along with an evaluation of side effects and effectiveness by phone or in the clinic. The evaluation will take about 15 minutes to complete. This is an investigational study. The use methylphenidate is investigational. A total of 36 patients will take part in this study. All will be enrolled at UTMDACC.

Keywords

Eligibility

Minimum Age: 18 Years

Eligible Ages: ADULT, OLDER_ADULT

Sex: ALL

Healthy Volunteers: No

Locations

Contact Details

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