Placebo and nocebo effects in randomized double‐blind clinical trials of agents for the therapy for fatigue in patients with advanced cancer

Abstract

Greater than half of advanced cancer patients enrolled in CRF trials had a placebo response. Worse baseline physical well-being score was associated with placebo response. Patients experiencing specific symptoms at baseline were more likely to report these as side effects of the medication. These findings should be considered in the design of future CRF trials.