Comorbidity of schizophrenia and cancer: clinical recommendations for treatment

Psychiatr Danub. 2006 Jun;18(1-2):55-60.

Abstract

The paper analyzes some issues on the comorbidity between schizophrenia and cancer. Epidemiological studies have reported contradictory results, but it is certain that patients with schizophrenia are more likely to suffer from risk factors for cancer development, such as increased alcohol abuse, obesity, nicotine dependence and decreased physical activity. The paper gives guidelines for the treatment of cancer in patients with schizophrenia, and discusses possible interactions between chemotherapy and psychotropic drugs. Particular attention is paid to the use of antipsychotics which increase the level of prolactin, in view of the possible risk of breast and endometrial cancer in patients with schizophrenia.

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol Drinking / adverse effects
  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cell Division / drug effects
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • Comorbidity
  • Drug Interactions
  • Health Behavior
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Neoplasms / etiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy
  • Schizophrenia / epidemiology*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology
  • Smoking / adverse effects
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antipsychotic Agents