Accrual and Retention of Diverse Patients in Psychosocial Cancer Clinical Trials

Effects of a Cognitive Behavioral Digital Therapeutic on Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Patients With Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

Patients with cancer often experience elevated levels of distress. This double-blind, randomized controlled trial compared the impact of an app-based version of cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM) versus a health education sham app on anxiety and depression symptoms.

METHODS

Patients with nonmetastatic (stage I-III) cancer who were receiving or recently completed (≤6 months) systemic treatment were recruited nationwide. The primary outcome of change in anxiety symptoms (PROMIS-Anxiety) over 12 weeks and the top secondary outcome of change in depression symptoms (PROMIS-Depression) over 12 weeks were analyzed using mixed-effects modeling with repeated measures (weeks 0, 4, 8, 12). Patient global impressions of change in anxiety and depression were reported at weeks 4, 8, and 12. In addition, self-reported adverse events were collected throughout the study and adjudicated by the site principal investigator.

RESULTS

Four hundred forty-nine patients were enrolled in the trial (age M [standard deviation] = 52.44 [11.46]; 81% female; 76% White; 53% breast cancer). Patients randomly assigned to digitized CBSM showed significantly greater reductions in anxiety (B = -0.03; P = .019) and depression (B = -0.02; P = .042) symptoms over 12 weeks. Patients who received digitized CBSM were also significantly more likely to perceive much or very much improvement (v no/minimal change or much/very much worse) in their symptoms of anxiety (χ2 = 31.76; P < .001) and depression (χ2 = 19.70; P < .001) compared with the control.

CONCLUSION

The use of digitized CBSM led to significant improvements in anxiety and depression outcomes compared with the sham app.

A randomized pilot of eHealth mindful movement and breathing to improve gynecologic surgery outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial of eHealth Mindful Movement and Breathing (eMMB) compared to an empathic attention control (AC).

PARTICIPANTS

Women undergoing surgery for a suspected gynecologic malignancy.

METHODS

eMMB is a brief yoga intervention delivered remotely during the perioperative timeframe. We assessed feasibility and participants completed assessments (baseline, weeks 2 and 4 postoperatively). We summarized feasibility, participant characteristics, and outcomes by intervention group and time.

FINDINGS

Forty-three percent of eligible patients approached participated (n = 31). Adherence to the interventions was 77%. Percent of participants to complete outcomes was 81% at Week 2 and 84% at Week 4 (>70%; retention was the primary feasibility indicator). Average reductions in the primary outcome of pain intensity were larger in the eMMB group than AC group (Week 2 d = -0.38; Week 4 d = -0.46).

IMPLICATIONS

This pilot study of eMMB supported feasibility and improvements in pain intensity that warrant a future efficacy study.