Pharmacotherapeutic Management of Depression in Patients With Cancer: A Review of Mechanistic and Clinical Evidence Publisher



Hajivalizadeh S ; Farahmand K ; Kazemzadeh K ; Hajivalizadeh G ; Shamabadi A
Source: Cancer Reports Published:2026

Abstract

Background: Depression is a prevalent comorbidity in cancer, yet conventional treatments show inconsistent efficacy. This review sought to provide a mechanism-based framework for managing cancer-related depression by exploring its unique pathophysiology and evaluating promising pharmacotherapies based on their alignment with these biological pathways. This narrative review synthesized evidence on promising pharmacotherapies based on their ability to target the core biological mechanisms of cancer-related depression, including pro-inflammatory cytokine activity, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis hyperactivity, serotonin pathway disruption via indolamine-2,3-dioxygenase activation, and glutamate excitotoxicity. Recent Findings: Interventions directly targeting inflammation (e.g., celecoxib) and glutamate modulation (e.g., ketamine) demonstrated encouraging early evidence. The effect of ketamine can also be due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Atypical antidepressants, such as mirtazapine, and the serotonergic psychedelic psilocybin also showed promising but preliminary benefits. In contrast, conventional selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants yielded conflicting results. Other agents, including the psychostimulant methylphenidate, showed utility for specific symptoms like fatigue. Conclusion: A personalized, mechanism-informed approach targeting the core pathophysiological cascade of inflammation, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis hyperactivity, and glutamate excitotoxicity is essential for effectively managing depression in patients with cancer. This represents a necessary paradigm shift away from a one-size-fits-all treatment model. © 2026 The Author(s). Cancer Reports published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.