Table 3 Pharmacologic and lifestyle interventions
Study | Settings/Patients | Study Design/Intervention | Timing of intervention | Assessment timepoints | Measures | Results | Methodological Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lydiatt et al. (2013) [24] | 148 HNC pts.; Nebraska | RCT. Intervention group received escitalopram pharmacotherapy for 16 weeks vs. placebo pill through their oncology team. | before treatment started | baseline, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 28 weeks | QIDS, MINI, QIDS-C, WQ-QOL, FIBSER (Frequency, Intensity, and Burden of Side Effects Rating) | Prophylactic escitalopram reduced depression rates and improved QOL. Radiation group had highest rates of depression. | 6 |
Capozzi et al. (2016) [25] | 60 HNC pts.; Canada | RCT. Intervention group received a lifestyle intervention (physician referral, health education for 6 sessions, behavior change support, individualized exercise program with resistance training, and group exercise setting 2x weekly). Control group was a delayed group of the same intervention. | new diagnosis - randomized between immediate lifestyle intervention vs. 12 week delayed | baseline, 12, 24, 36, 48 weeks | physical activity, BMI, lean body mass and percentage body fat; QOL: FACT-HN; Depression: CES-D, Nutrition - patient generated subjective global assessment | Delayed group were more able to complete intervention. No difference in body composition between groups. Potential benefit regardless of timing. No diff in QOL or depression - both declined at 12 weeks then improved at 24 weeks. | 5 |