Authors
Han-Yu Deng, Min Li, Xu Xu, Qian-Qian Mou
Published in
Frontiers in psychiatry. Volume 17. Pages 1865303. Epub Jun 24, 2026.
Abstract
Although the prevalence of depression in patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative care has been widely reported, the estimates vary substantially. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of depression in patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative care and identify its potential moderating factors.
A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and PsycINFO from inception to April 1, 2026. We calculated pooled prevalence estimates using a random-effects model and assessed heterogeneity using the I² statistic. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity.
A total of 29 studies comprising 6054 patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative care were included, yielding a pooled prevalence of depression of 50.9% (95% CI: 41.2-60.5%). Subgroup analyses and meta-regression showed that the pooled prevalence varied significantly by study design and assessment tool.
Our findings indicated that depression was very prevalent in patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative care. However, the pooled estimate should be interpreted with caution because the extremely high statistical heterogeneity remained largely unexplained, even after conducting subgroup analyses and meta-regression. Furthermore, the adoption of suitable assessment tools and the implementation of valid screening and care strategies are essential to alleviate emotional distress in this vulnerable group.
PROSPERO, identifier CRD420261368352.
PMID:
42422515
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 09 Jul 2026.
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