Testing bupropion to help reduce fatigue in cancer survivors

Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial of Bupropion for Cancer Related Fatigue

NIH-funded research H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst · NIH-10394730

This study is looking at whether the medication bupropion can help breast cancer survivors who are feeling really tired after their treatment, and it will involve 422 participants taking either bupropion or a placebo for 12 weeks to see if it makes a difference in their energy levels and overall well-being.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tampa, United States)
Project IDNIH-10394730 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of bupropion, a medication typically used as an antidepressant, in alleviating cancer-related fatigue among breast cancer survivors. The study will involve 422 participants who have completed their cancer treatments and are experiencing significant fatigue. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either bupropion or a placebo for 12 weeks, with their fatigue levels assessed before and after the treatment period. The goal is to determine if bupropion can significantly reduce fatigue and improve quality of life for these patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are disease-free breast cancer patients who have completed chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy within the last 12 to 60 months and report significant fatigue.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently undergoing cancer treatment or those with other underlying conditions causing fatigue may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for cancer survivors suffering from debilitating fatigue.

How similar studies have performed: Previous pilot studies have shown promise for bupropion in reducing cancer-related fatigue, but this is the first adequately-powered trial of its kind.

Where this research is happening

Tampa, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.