OBJECTIVES: Antidepressants (ADs) are primarily used to treat depression and anxiety among individuals with cancer and depression; however ADs are also being used for symptomatic relief from hot-flashes, neuropathic-pain, and fatigue in this population. Although there is a lack of robust evidence on the effectiveness of ADs in this population, and conflicting reports of a possible association between AD use and risk of recurrence of certain cancers exists; ADs are still being prescribed in this population. Thus, the objective of this study was to systematically review the extent of any AD use among individuals with cancer. METHODS: A systemic literature search was conducted using 4 electronic databases (PubMed, CINHAL, PsychINFO, and Web-of-Science), and cross-referencing. Studies starting from 1975 to 2011, and from all countries were assessed. Eligibility criteria used for the extraction of studies included: 1)full articles published in peer-reviewed journals in English-language only; 2)observational studies with data on any use or prescription of ADs; and 3)adults and children aged >1 year diagnosed with cancer (all types and stages of cancer were included). Studies on the use of psychotropic agents other than ADs or psychotherapy were excluded. After data extraction, number and percentages of individuals with cancer using ADs were calculated. RESULTS: The search yielded 1880 studies, 14 of which met the predefined inclusion criteria. Overall, the rates of AD use ranged from <1%-26% in varying subgroups of cancer patients; with lower rates in pediatric cancer patients (7%-12.3%), and in those with advanced-stage cancers (7.4%-16%). Rates also varied according to the type of cancers: breast (11.5%-34%), prostate (7%-18.8%), colon (7.5%-17.3%) and lung (7.2%-13.7%). The rates were higher among individuals with cancer and clinically diagnosed depression (12%-66.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Our descriptive results suggest that AD use may be associated with cancer site and stage, and presence of clinically diagnosed depression; and is lower in pediatric and advanced-stage cancer patients.