Venlafaxine for the Prevention of Depression in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) are disproportionately affected by major depressive disorder (MDD), with up to 50% developing MDD compared to 15-25% of patients with other solid malignancies. The higher rates of depression seen in HNC patients are likely related to treatment-associated disfigurement, voice and swallow dysfunction, and other physical alterations that significantly diminish quality of life. Survivors of HNC have a significantly increased risk of suicide when compared to other cancers. The rate of suicide among HNC survivors is 63.4 suicides per 100,000 person-years, which is three times that of other cancer survivors and second highest only behind pancreatic cancer. There is evidence to suggest that depression plays a role in HNC prognosis, with studies showing a 25% decrease in overall survival in HNC patients with depression. Despite the prevalence and impact of depression in HNC patients, there has only been one randomized control trial to prevent depression in patients with HNC that showed potential benefit. This study used escitalopram, a selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). A more appropriate medication would be one that provided mood stabilization as well as pain modulation, since it is known that HNC treatment can lead to long-term opioid use. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) provide dual action against serotonergic and noradrenergic receptors and have shown to provide superior pain relief than monoaminergic drugs such as SSRIs. The investigators hypothesize that venlafaxine will provide mood stabilization and improved pain control in patients undergoing surgical treatment for HNC. The investigators plan to conduct a pilot double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial using venlafaxine in HNC patients treated with surgery. Patients who screen negative for Bipolar disorder (BPD) based on the screening tool The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) as well as for MDD using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) preoperatively (Cohort A) will be randomized to either venlafaxine or placebo and will be assessed throughout the perioperative period with a series of validated self-reported questionnaires regarding depression, anxiety, pain, and other quality of life measures.