Adapted Delivery of Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study

Sleep interventions in pediatric oncology: A systematic review of the evidence

Sleep concerns are common during pediatric cancer treatment and can last into survivorship. The current systematic review sought to identify intervention studies that addressed sleep as a primary or secondary outcome during pediatric cancer treatment up to 5 years after completing treatment. Quality assessment was rated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The review identified 16 studies with a total of 943 participants that tested a wide range of interventions including psycho-educational, stress management techniques, medications, and physical activity. Most studies included tested interventions in small samples. None of the included studies had a high risk of bias for all domains, but all included studies had a high risk of bias for at least two risk domains. Several feasible pilot studies were identified that warrant further research to test efficacy. Implications for future research and clinical practice to manage sleep concerns are discussed.

An evaluation of psychosocial sleep interventions for children with chronic health conditions: A systematic review

Chronic health conditions (CHC; e.g., cystic fibrosis, type 1 diabetes) in children are associated with disease-specific physical symptoms that contribute to a high prevalence of sleep problems. Sleep problems exacerbate other health-related sequelae and can impede therapeutic response to health treatments, increasing the overall complexity of symptom management. Psychosocial sleep interventions (PSI) improve sleep in children with typical development and neurodevelopmental conditions. Yet, the effectiveness of PSI for children with CHC has scarcely been investigated. This systematic review appraises the literature examining the effectiveness and acceptability of PSI for children with CHC. A search identified 20 studies that met inclusion criteria. Data related to participant characteristics, sleep targets, research design and methods, measures, sleep outcomes and collateral effects were extracted. Study rigor was then evaluated. Most studies evaluated youth-directed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia or parent-implemented behavioral sleep interventions. Twelve studies demonstrated positive sleep treatment effects and four demonstrated mixed effects. Collateral improvements were reported in child mental health and parental health and well-being, though physical health benefits for children were not consistently reported. One, five and 14 studies were rated as having strong, adequate, and weak methodological rigor respectively. Recommendations for clinical practice and future research are made.

Psychologists as Pivotal Members of the Pediatric Palliative Care Team

CONTEXT

Pediatric psychologists possess unique expertise to positively impact the care provided to children with serious illness and their families. Despite increasing recognition regarding the value of psychology in palliative care, psychologists are not yet routinely integrated into pediatric palliative care (PPC) teams.

OBJECTIVES

This special paper seeks to demonstrate distinctive contributions psychologists can offer to PPC teams, patients, and families, as well as highlight how psychologists enhance the work of their interdisciplinary PPC colleagues.

METHODS

Existing literature, consensus and policy statements, and recently developed competencies inform and provide evidence for the value of incorporating psychologists into PPC.

RESULTS

As children with serious illness are at risk for mental and physical health symptoms, psychologists' specialized training in evidence-based assessment and intervention allows them to assess areas of concern, create treatment plans, and implement nonpharmacological therapies targeting symptom management and promotion of quality of life. By improving patient and family outcomes, psychology involvement saves money. In addition to clinical care, psychologists are skilled researchers, which can help to advance PPC interdisciplinary research. Lastly, psychologists can play a valuable role in contributing to PPC team education, dynamics, and well-being.

CONCLUSIONS

With strong skills in research, clinical care, education, and advocacy, pediatric psychologists are exceptionally equipped to provide care to children with serious illness and their families. Given their unique contributions, it is critical future efforts are directed towards advocating for the inclusion of psychologists into PPC, with the ultimate goal of improving care for children with serious illness and their families.

Representation of race and ethnicity among cancer survivors in trials of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I): A systematic review

PURPOSE

For cancer survivors, insomnia is highly prevalent and debilitating. Although cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is recognized as a gold standard treatment, it is unclear whether benefits of treatment generalize to racial and ethnic minorities in the USA. This systematic review characterizes the representation of racial and ethnic diversity among cancer survivors in CBT-I clinical trials and provides recommendations for research in sleep/cancer survivorship.

METHODS

Literature searches were conducted in five electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library via Ovid, PsycINFO via Ovid, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection) using concepts of CBT, insomnia, and cancer survivors. Information about CBT-I intervention details, sample racial demographics, and whether authors explicitly analyzed race and ethnicity were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 1673 citations were retrieved, and 967 citations were uploaded to Covidence. Of these, 135 articles went through full-text review and 13 studies were included. Race and ethnicity were reported in 11/13 trials (84.6%). Of those reporting race and ethnicity, 8/11 (72.7%) trials were comprised of samples that were ≥ 85% non-Hispanic White. Among the trials that explicitly analyzed race and ethnicity, CBT-I was more effective among cancer survivors who were White and highly educated, and non-White cancer survivors were less likely to have private insurance and ability to participate in clinical trials.

CONCLUSION

Non-Hispanic White cancer survivors are overrepresented in CBT-I trials, the best available treatment for insomnia. Underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities likely contributes to barriers in access and uptake. Recommendations include implementing sustained efforts to expand diversity in CBT-I clinical trials for cancer survivors.

Tailoring cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia across contexts, conditions, and individuals: What do we know, where do we go?

Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is considered the front-line treatment for insomnia. Despite the demonstrated effectiveness of CBT-I, it is necessary to consider how CBT-I may be tailored to different individuals. The purpose of the present review is to provide a summary of literature on tailoring CBT-I to different individuals and provide directions for future research. This review focused on the following domains of adaptation: (i) tailoring CBT-I components to individuals with comorbid mental or physical health conditions such as comorbid depression and pain; (ii) adapting CBT-I delivery for different contexts in which individuals exist, such as inpatient, educational, and different social/cultural settings, (iii) adapting CBT-I to specific individuals via case-formulation in clinical settings. We highlight current gaps in the exploration of tailored CBT-I, including a lack of research methodology to evaluate tailored interventions, a need for the integration of ongoing individualised assessment to inform treatment, and the necessary involvement of consumers and stakeholders throughout the research and treatment development process. Together, this review showed abundant adaptations in CBT-I already exist in the literature. Future research is needed in understanding when and how to apply adaptations in CBT-I and evaluate the benefits of these adaptations.

Sleep Treatment Education Program for Young Adult Cancer Survivors (STEP-YA): Protocol for an Efficacy Trial

BACKGROUND

Young adult cancer survivors (YACS) are at elevated risk for chronic insomnia, even years after completing treatment. In addition to potential health consequences, insomnia can interrupt social, educational, and vocational development just as they are trying to "make up" for time lost to cancer. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) is recommended as first-line treatment for insomnia but remains largely unavailable to YACS due to several barriers (ie, shortage of trained providers, geographic limitations, financial limitations). Traditional CBTI has not been adapted to meet YACS' unique developmental and circadian challenges. To improve availability of effective behavioral insomnia treatment for this population, we developed the Sleep Treatment Education Program for Young Adult Cancer Survivors (STEP-YA), a low-intensity educational intervention delivered virtually online.

OBJECTIVE

In this phase 2 "proof of concept" trial, primary aims are to test the efficacy of STEP-YA to improve insomnia symptoms and mood in YACS and assess the utility of individualized coaching to improve treatment effects. A secondary aim will explore participant variables associated with clinically significant response to STEP-YA.

METHODS

This 2-arm randomized prospective trial will enroll 74 off-treatment YACS aged 20 years to 39 years with clinically significant insomnia. Each participant completes the STEP-YA intervention in a 1-on-1 synchronous online session led by a trained interventionist following a structured outline. The 90-minute intervention presents educational information on the development of insomnia after cancer and offers specific suggestions for improving insomnia symptoms. During the session, participants review the suggestions and develop a personalized sleep action plan for implementing them. After the session, participants are randomized to either the coaching condition, in which they receive 2 telephone coaching sessions, or the no-coaching condition, which offers no subsequent coaching. The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and the Profile of Mood States: Short Form (POMS-SF) are assessed at baseline and 4 and 8 weeks postintervention.

RESULTS

Enrollment began in November 2022, with 28 participants currently enrolled. We anticipate recruitment will be completed in 2024. The primary endpoint is a change in ISI score from baseline to 8 weeks postintervention. The secondary endpoint is change in mood symptoms (POMS-SF) from baseline to 8 weeks postintervention. Change scores will be treated as continuous variables. Primary analyses will use ANOVA methods. A within-subjects analysis will examine if the STEP-YA intervention is associated with significant changes in insomnia and mood over time. A 2-way ANOVA will be used to evaluate the utility of coaching sessions to improve treatment effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic insomnia has significant negative effects on YACS' medical, educational, and psychological functioning. STEP-YA aims to address their needs; study results will determine if the intervention warrants future effectiveness and dissemination studies and if individualized coaching is necessary for adequate treatment response.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05358951: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05358951.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/52315.

Sleep health behaviors in pediatric patients with newly diagnosed cancer

OBJECTIVE

Disrupted sleep and fatigue are common symptoms in children with cancer, but little is known about this population's sleep health behaviors and how they may impact nighttime sleep. We aimed to describe the sleep health behaviors of children with newly diagnosed cancer and to determine if they changed over the next 8 weeks.

METHODS

Our sample included 169 children with cancer (86 males) who were aged 2-18 years (mean [SD] = 8.14 [4.4] y), with parent proxy report for 140 children (71 male) aged 2-12 years (mean [SD] = 6.67 [3.2] y) and self-report for 78 children (39 male) aged 8-18 years (mean [SD] = 12.0 [2.9] y). Parents and patients completed sleep hygiene questionnaires within 30 days of oncology diagnosis (T1); follow-up questionnaires were collected 8 weeks later (T2). Descriptive analyses characterized the sample by sociodemographic characteristics, cancer diagnosis, treatments received, and prescribed medications.

RESULTS

Age-related differences were found in sleep health behaviors, with adolescents reporting better overall sleep health behaviors than younger children at both time points. No differences in sleep health behaviors were found at T1 related to diagnosis, treatment, or medications. Some differences in sleep health behaviors were found at T2 related to gender, diagnosis, treatment, and medications. Sleep health behaviors and sleep problems remained relatively stable over 8 weeks. Fatigue was significantly associated with more pre-bedtime worries, insomnia, and lower rates of daytime sleepiness.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings offer novel descriptive characteristics of sleep health behaviors in a pediatric oncology sample and show relatively stable yet somewhat poor sleep health behaviors across 8 weeks. Better understanding of sleep health behaviors as modifiable factors will help inform targeted interventions.

A randomized controlled trial of WeChat-based cognitive behavioral therapy intervention to improve cancer-related symptoms in gynecological cancer survivors: study protocol

Background

Gynecological malignant patients often have significant psychological and physical problems. The feasibility and generalizability of traditional intervention method is low due to the high time and labor cost, large number of gynecological malignant tumor patients in China, as well as shortage of health professionals. Therefore, it is necessary to design an alternative, innovative, and easily accessible intervention method. This study aims to evaluate the effect of WeChat-based intervention on anxiety, depression and disease-related symptoms of patients with gynecological malignant tumors during rehabilitation.

Methods

A single-blinded, randomized, controlled, parallel-group pre-test and repeated post-test design will be conducted. A total of 76 participants will be randomly divided into the intervention group and control group. Anxiety and depression, disease-related symptoms, coping ability, benefit finding and quality of life will be measured at baseline and repeated immediately after the intervention (test 1), 3 months (test 2) and 6 months (test 3) after the intervention.

Discussion

As the first randomized controlled trial with rigorous research design for patients with gynecological malignant tumors in the rehabilitation stage in China, this study will provide evidences for the effectiveness of the WeChat platform during intervention of patients with gynecological malignant tumors in the rehabilitation stage. The results are helpful to further explore the effect of WeChat-based intervention on improving patients' anxiety and depression, disease-related symptoms, and quality of life.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2100053450, Registered 21 November 2021,http://www.chictr.org.cn/searchproj.aspx

AYA 'Can-Sleep' programme: protocol for a stepped-care, cognitive behavioural therapy-based approach to the management of sleep difficulties in adolescents and young adults with cancer

Background

Sleep problems are reported in up to 50% of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi) is considered the gold-standard treatment. In the AYA population, CBTi is associated with improvements in insomnia, daytime sleepiness, fatigue and quality of life. In adults, stepped-care interventions can improve accessibility to CBTi. This study aims to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a stepped-care CBTi programme in AYA with cancer.

Methods and analysis

AYA (target N = 80) aged 16–25 with a diagnosis of cancer will be screened using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). When sleep difficulties are identified by the ISI and/or ESS, they will be screened for obstructive sleep apnoea and restless leg syndrome and referred to a sleep service if indicated. The remainder with sleep difficulties will be offered a stepped-care sleep programme including CBT self-management and coaching (first step). Participants will then be rescreened at 5 weeks, and those with ongoing sleep difficulties will be offered individualised CBT (second step). Recruitment and retention rates, adherence to intervention and time taken to deliver screening and intervention will be collected to assess the feasibility of the programme. AYA and clinicians will complete evaluation surveys to assess the acceptability of the AYA Can-Sleep programme.

Discussion

We seek to contribute to the evidence base regarding screening and treatment of sleep difficulties in the AYA population by implementing the AYA Can-Sleep programme and determining its feasibility and acceptability as an approach to care in an Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Service.

Prevalence of Sleep Disturbances in Pediatric Cancer Patients and Their Diagnosis and Management

Sleep disturbances represent an understudied yet common source of distress among pediatric cancer patients and survivors, with deleterious effects on quality of life. Sleep issues stem from multiple risk factors, yet individual contributors are difficult to isolate, consequently impeding the identification of targets for intervention. In many pediatric cancer patients, disrupted sleep and its negative impact on quality of life continue into adulthood and may affect various functional domains. This literature review highlights the types and prevalence of sleep disturbances in pediatric cancer patients during active treatment and through survivorship. Potential etiological and risk factors for disturbed sleep are summarized, including the effects of cancer and its treatment, psychosocial and family factors, as well as individual-patient aspects, such as genetics, mood and coping skills. While existing assessment and management strategies are reviewed, the literature is incomplete, and significant gaps emerge in our understanding of sleep disturbances in pediatric cancer patients and survivors. The review concludes with recommendations of areas where further research is needed. The aims of this review include increasing clinicians' awareness of sleep disturbances as a significant source of poor quality of life in pediatric cancer patients and survivors and directing researchers to gaps in our understanding of sleep disturbances in pediatric cancer patients and survivors.

Sleep Disorders in Cancer-A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Sleep disorders, especially insomnia, are very common in different kinds of cancers, but their prevalence and incidence are not well-known. Disturbed sleep in cancer is caused by different reasons and usually appears as a comorbid disorder to different somatic and psychiatric diagnoses, psychological disturbances and treatment methods. There can be many different predictors for sleep disturbances in these vulnerable groups, such as pre-existing sleep disorders, caused by the mental status in cancer or as side effect of the cancer treatment.

METHODS

A systematic literature review of 8073 studies was conducted on the topic of sleep and sleep disorders in cancer patients. The articles were identified though PubMed, PsycInfo and Web of Knowledge, and a total number of 89 publications were qualified for analysis.

RESULTS

The identified eighty-nine studies were analyzed on the topic of sleep and sleep disorders in cancer, twenty-six studies on sleep and fatigue in cancer and sixty-one studies on the topic of sleep disorders in cancer. The prevalence of sleep disturbences and/or sleep disorders in cancer was up to 95%.

DISCUSSION

Sleep disturbances and sleep disorders (such as insomnia, OSAS, narcolepsy and RLS; REM-SBD) in cancer patients can be associated with different conditions. Side effects of cancer treatment and cancer-related psychological dysfunctions can be instigated by sleep disturbances and sleep disorders in these patients, especially insomnia and OSAS are common. An evidence-based treatment is necessary for concomitant mental and/or physical states.

Does the guided online cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia "i-Sleep youth" improve sleep of adolescents and young adults with insomnia after childhood cancer? (MICADO-study): study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Adolescents and young adults who had childhood cancer are at increased risk for insomnia, due to being critically ill during an important phase of their life for the development of good sleep habits. Insomnia is disabling and prevalent after childhood cancer (26-29%) and negatively impacts quality of life, fatigue, pain, and general functioning and is often associated with other (mental) health problems. Insomnia and a history of childhood cancer both increase the risk of adverse health outcomes, posing a double burden for adolescents who had childhood cancer. The first-line treatment for insomnia is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). However, access to this type of care is often limited. The guided online CBT-I treatment "i-Sleep" has been developed to facilitate access via online care. i-Sleep is shown effective in adult (breast cancer) patients, but it is unknown if iCBT-I is effective in pediatric oncology.

METHODS/DESIGN

We developed a youth version of i-Sleep. Our aim is to evaluate its effectiveness in a national randomized-controlled clinical trial comparing iCBT-I to a waiting-list control condition at 3 and 6 months (n = 70). The intervention group will be also assessed at 12 months to see whether the post-test effects are maintained. Adolescents and young adults aged 12-30 years with insomnia, diagnosed with (childhood) cancer, currently at least 6 months since their last cancer treatment will be eligible. Outcomes include sleep efficiency (actigraphic), insomnia severity (self-report), sleep and circadian activity rhythm parameters, fatigue, health-related quality of life, perceived cognitive functioning, chronic distress, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and intervention acceptability.

DISCUSSION

Insomnia is prevalent in the pediatric oncology population posing a double health burden for adolescents and young adults who had childhood cancer. If guided iCBT-I is effective, guidelines for insomnia can be installed to treat insomnia and potentially improve quality of life and the health of adolescents and young adults who had childhood cancer.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NL7220 (NTR7419; Netherlands Trial register). Registered on 2 August 2018.

Contributing Factors of Unmet Needs Among Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with Comorbidities

Purpose: This study aimed to: (1) describe the domains and levels of unmet needs of young adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (cALL) with comorbidities, and (2) to explore the factors associated with higher levels of unmet needs. Unmet need was considered as supportive care needs not met. Methods: The most vulnerable cALL survivors from the PETALE study cohort completed the Short-Form Survivor Unmet Needs Survey, the Brief Pain Inventory and the 15D instrument of health-related quality of life. Demographic and clinical information, including comorbidities, were obtained from medical records or self-reporting. The participants' needs and contributing factors to their needs were evaluated using nonparametric tests. Results: Of the 72 participants, 9 (13%) reported moderate/high levels of overall unmet needs. "Worry about earning money" (56%) and "Dealing with feeling tired" (51%) were the most frequent unmet needs (all levels combined). The factors associated significantly with any domain of unmet needs were: having a comorbidity, reporting altered functional health status, high ALL risk status, pain, age (<26 years), and having previously received psychological support. Conclusion: A minority of young adult survivors of cALL with comorbidities interviewed reported moderate/high levels of unmet needs. However, financial concerns and emotional health and relationship are the two domains of greatest need. Survivors with altered health condition are most at risk of experiencing moderate/high levels of unmet needs. If confirmed in larger samples, interventions should target modifiable contributors of unmet needs such as physical health and comfort, fatigue, and emotional health.

Internet-delivered insomnia intervention improves sleep and quality of life for adolescent and young adult cancer survivors

BACKGROUND

Insomnia is common among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is considered the gold standard treatment. Standard CBT-I was designed for adults and not adapted to the unique medical, psychosocial, and developmental needs of AYA cancer survivors, which can exacerbate their insomnia. Further, the vast majority of cancer centers do not have a behavioral sleep medicine expert on staff. Our study objective was to examine the efficacy of an Internet-delivered CBT-I program that was tailored for AYA cancer survivors (NCT03279055).

PROCEDURE

Twenty-two AYA cancer survivors (mean age 20.4; range 14-25) with insomnia enrolled in an automated CBT-I program modified for AYA cancer survivors following stakeholder feedback. Participants were blood cancer (54.5%) and solid tumor (45.5%) survivors, an average of 9.7 years postdiagnosis. Sleep health, fatigue, and quality of life were assessed at baseline and at two follow up timepoints (8 and 16 weeks postbaseline).

RESULTS

Significant improvements in insomnia severity, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and quality of life were reported at both follow up timepoints. However, most participants (72.7%) did not complete all of the six study sessions, with a mean completion rate of 3.2 sessions. Participants who completed at least two sessions reported better sleep (insomnia severity index total score) than those who did not.

CONCLUSIONS

An Internet-delivered insomnia intervention adapted for AYA cancer survivors was efficacious. This has important implications for access to evidence-based clinical care for this growing population. Future efforts should study stepped care models of care and ways to improve treatment adherence.

Sleep Disturbances in Survivors of Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Their Siblings

OBJECTIVE

Sleep disturbances have been identified by patients with cancer as common and distressing; however, conflicting evidence about the prevalence of these outcomes exists for survivors of childhood cancers. Additionally, little is known about how the experience of cancer might impact survivor siblings' sleep. The current study compared the sleep of survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia who were 2-7 years off therapy and their siblings to healthy control/sibling dyads.

METHODS

Participants (survivors, n = 45; survivor siblings, n = 27; controls, n = 45; control siblings, n = 41; 58% male) aged 8-18 (m = 11.64) completed a 7-day sleep diary and seven consecutive days of actigraphy. Parents (n = 90) completed the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire for each of their children.

RESULTS

No between-group differences were found on measures of sleep diaries or actigraphy. Parents reported that survivor siblings had significantly poorer sleep habits than survivors or controls. For survivors, greater time off treatment and younger age at diagnosis were associated with less total sleep time, more wake after sleep onset, and decreased sleep efficiency via actigraphy.

CONCLUSION

Sleep across all groups was consistent and below national guidelines. Although the survivor group did not have poorer sleep compared to their siblings or matched controls, within the survivor group, those who were diagnosed at an earlier age and those who were further off treatment had more disrupted sleep. Parent reports suggested that survivor siblings may be at risk for sleep problems.

Combined Program of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia and Medication Tapering in Cancer Patients: A Clinic-Based Pilot Study

Objective: This preliminary study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a combined program of group-based cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and medication tapering for reducing hypnotic use in cancer patients and to identify predictors of medication continuation. Participants: This study has a retrospective design and uses archival data from patient's medical records. Forty cancer patients with chronic insomnia received clinic- and group-based CBT-I alongside a medication tapering program. Methods: Clinical outcomes were collected from 32 patients who completed a six-week program, via their medical records. Medication dosages, Insomnia Severity Index scores, scores on the Korean version of the 16-item Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes About Sleep scale, Symptom Checklist-90-Revised inventory scores, and sleep efficiency were measured pre- and posttreatment and at a follow-up after one month. Results: At posttreatment, 68.8% of patients were drug-free and 25.0% were taking hypnotic medication at a reduced dosage or frequency. Patients who were undergoing anticancer treatment were more likely to discontinue hypnotic use than patients who were off the anticancer treatment. Overall relapse rate for sleep medication at the one-month follow-up was 4.5%. Having more somatic symptoms at baseline was a significant predictor for continuing medication after CBT-I. Conclusions: The preliminary results imply that the combined program of group-based CBT-I and medication tapering may be helpful to reduce hypnotics in cancer patients with insomnia in a clinical setting. Along with combined treatment methods, future studies could explore the effects of added treatments for the reduction of physical pain on the prevention of chronic hypnotic use.

Insomnia and Neurocognitive Functioning in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer

Background

In noncancer populations, insomnia is known to affect neurocognitive processes. Although the prevalence of insomnia appears to be elevated in survivors of childhood cancer, relatively little is known about its association with neurocognitive performance in this at-risk population.

Methods

A total of 911 survivors (51.9% female; mean [SD] age, 34 [9.0] years; time since diagnosis, 26 [9.1] years) completed direct assessments of attention, memory, processing speed, and executive functioning and self-reported symptoms of sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue), and daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale). Sex-stratified general linear models were used to examine associations between insomnia and neurocognitive performance, with adjustment for treatment exposures and chronic health conditions. All statistical tests were two-sided.

Results

Insomnia was reported by 22.1% of females and 12.3% of males (P < .001). After adjustment for neurotoxic treatment exposures, insomnia (vs healthy sleepers with no daytime fatigue or sleepiness) was associated with worse neurocognitive performance in the domains of verbal reasoning, memory, attention, executive function, and processing speed (verbal reasoning: males β = −0.34, P = .04, females β = −0.57, P < .001; long-term memory: males β = −0.60, P < .001, females β = −0.36, P = .02; sustained attention: males β = −0.85, P < .001, females β = −0.42, P = .006; cognitive flexibility: males β = −0.70, P = .002, females β = −0.40, P = .02). Self-reported sleep disturbance without daytime fatigue or sleepiness or daytime fatigue or sleepiness alone were not consistently associated with poorer neurocognitive performance.

Conclusions

Insomnia was highly prevalent and contributed to the neurocognitive burden experienced by adult survivors of childhood cancer. Treatment of insomnia may improve neurocognitive problems in survivors.

Nurse-Delivered Brief Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia in Lung Cancer Survivors: A Pilot RCT

Objective/Background: Insomnia occurs in 50 to 80% of lung cancer survivors. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the standard treatment for insomnia (CBTI); however, treatment length and lack of psychologists trained in CBTI limits access. Brief Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia (BBTI), a nurse-delivered modified CBTI, is proposed. This feasibility pilot study sought to compare the BBTI intervention to attention control Healthy Eating Program (HEP) for insomnia in lung cancer survivors. Participants: The participants comprised adults, 21 years of age or older with insomnia and stage I/II non-small cell lung cancer, more than 6 weeks from surgery and living in Western NY. Methods: Participants (n = 40) were randomly assigned to an experimental (BBTI) or attention control condition (Healthy Eating Program). Thirty participants completed the study. Results: Participants were 66 years of age (± 7.6; range 53-82), 40% (n = 16) male, 87.5% (n = 35) Caucasian, 50% (n = 20) married, BMI 27.7 (± 5.8), and 12% (n = 5) never smokers. Baseline sleep diary sleep efficiency, ISI and other baseline covariates were balanced between the groups. Sleep efficiency improved ≥85% in BBTI group (p = .02), but not in HEP control group (p = 1.00). Mean ISI for BBTI and attention control were 6.40 ± 4.98 and 14.10 ± 4.48 (p = .001) respectively. In addition, BBTI group mean total FACT-L score improved by 6.66 points from baseline while HEP group score worsened (p = .049). Conclusions: BBTI is a practical, evidence-based, clinically relevant intervention that improved sleep and quality of life in lung cancer survivors with insomnia. Additional research to evaluate efficacy, duration, and implementation strategies are essential.

A call to action for expanded sleep research in pediatric oncology: A position paper on behalf of the International Psycho‐Oncology Society Pediatrics Special Interest Group

Sleep and circadian rhythms are closely related to physical and psychosocial well‐being. However, sleep and circadian rhythm disruptions are often overlooked in children with cancer, as they are frequently considered temporary side effects of therapy that resolve when treatment ends. Yet, evidence from adult oncology suggests a bidirectional relationship wherein cancer and its treatment disrupt sleep and circadian rhythms, which are associated with negative health outcomes such as poor immune functioning and lower survival rates. A growing body of research demonstrates that sleep problems are prevalent among children with cancer and can persist into survivorship. However, medical and psychosocial outcomes of poor sleep and circadian rhythmicity have not been explored in this context. It is essential to increase our understanding because sleep and circadian rhythms are vital components of health and quality of life. In children without cancer, sleep and circadian disturbances respond well to intervention, suggesting that they may also be modifiable in children with cancer. We present this paper as a call to (a) incorporate sleep or circadian rhythm assessment into pediatric cancer clinical trials, (b) address gaps in understanding the bidirectional relationship between sleep or circadian rhythms and health throughout the cancer trajectory, and (c) integrate sleep and circadian science into oncologic treatment.

High occurrence of sleep problems in survivors of a childhood brain tumor with neurocognitive complaints: The association with psychosocial and behavioral executive functioning

BACKGROUND

Survivors of childhood brain tumors are prone to sleep and neurocognitive problems. Effective interventions to improve neurocognitive functioning are largely lacking. In general, sleep problems are negatively related to neurocognitive functioning, but this relationship is unclear in survivors of childhood brain tumors. Therefore, the occurrence of sleep problems, potential risk factors, and the relation between sleep and executive functioning were evaluated.

PROCEDURE

Baseline data of a randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of neurofeedback were used. Childhood brain tumor survivors 8-18 years of age with parent-reported neurocognitive complaints ≥2 years after treatment were eligible. Parents completed the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children. Executive functioning was assessed by parents and teachers (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning). Multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine sociodemographic and medical characteristics and emotional difficulties and hyperactivity/inattention (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire) as potential risk factors for sleep problems, and to assess the association between sleep and executive functioning.

RESULTS

Forty-eight percent of survivors (n = 82, 7.0 ± 3.6 years post diagnosis, age 13.8 ± 3.2 years) had sleep problems and scored significantly worse than the norm on the subscales Initiating and Maintaining Sleep, Excessive Somnolence, and the total scale (effect sizes 0.58-0.92). Emotional problems and/or hyperactivity/inattention were independent potential risk factors. Sleep problems were associated with worse parent-reported executive functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep problems occur among half of childhood brain tumor survivors with neurocognitive problems, and are associated with worse executive functioning. Future studies should focus on the development of sleep interventions for this population, to improve sleep as well as executive functioning.

A pilot randomized controlled trial to improve sleep and fatigue in children with central nervous system tumors hospitalized for high-dose chemotherapy

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether a sleep intervention compared with standard of care (SOC) was successful in preserving nighttime sleep in children with central nervous system cancers hospitalized for high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) and autologous stem cell rescue, and to explore associations between sleep and fatigue during treatment.

METHODS

An unblinded, randomized, controlled, multicomponent intervention (NCT00666614) including evidence-based cognitive and behavioral strategies to improve sleep was implemented in 33 children (age 4-12 years) and adolescents (age 13-19 years) during hospitalization. Children wore an actigraph to measure sleep and wake, and reported fatigue scores daily. Parents concurrently kept a sleep diary and reported fatigue scores for their children.

RESULTS

The mean age was 9.5 ± 3.9 years, 81.8% were white, and 60.6% were male. Sleep in all children was seriously disturbed throughout the study. Children in the intervention group maintained their longest nighttime sleep across the study, while it declined in children receiving SOC (P = 0.009 for interaction). There were few other differences in sleep between groups. Controlling for age and baseline fatigue, higher nighttime activity score, and lower percent sleep were significantly associated with higher next-day adolescent-reported fatigue (P < 0.05); longest sleep was significantly positively associated with next-day child-reported fatigue (P = 0.018).

CONCLUSION

In this sample of children undergoing HDCT, a multicomponent sleep intervention modestly preserved nighttime sleep duration, although overall sleep was poor in both groups. Sleep is an integral component of health, and may influence outcomes of children receiving HDCT. Further investigation into methods of preserving sleep in children undergoing intensive cancer therapy is warranted.

Psychological support for patients with cancer: evidence review and suggestions for future directions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Psychological distress and mental health comorbidity are common in cancer. Various therapeutic frameworks have been used for interventions to improve psychological wellbeing and quality of life in cancer patients with mixed results. This article reviews contributions to that literature published since January 2017.

RECENT FINDINGS

The majority of new psychological intervention research in cancer has used cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based interventions. CBT has been considered a gold-standard intervention and recent evidence justifies continuation of this. Recent reviews call into question the validity of evidence for mindfulness-based interventions. A smaller number of trials using acceptance and commitment therapy, meta-cognitive therapy, dignity therapy and coaching have emerged, and whereas findings are promising, additional fully powered trials are required. Weaker evidence exists for counselling, support-based and narrative therapy interventions.

SUMMARY

Efficacious, timely and acceptable psychological interventions are a necessary component of comprehensive cancer care. There is some way to go before the evidence conclusively points towards which interventions work for which cancer groups and for which specific outcomes. Methodological limitations must be addressed in future trials; at the forefront remains the need for fully powered, head-to-head comparison trials.

Brief Behavioral Treatment of Insomnia

Cognitive behavioral treatment for insomnia (CBTI) is an effective treatment of insomnia; however, there are insufficient CBTI providers for the 10% to 25% of the population who have insomnia. Brief behavioral treatment for insomnia (BBTI) is a 4-session manualized treatment paradigm administrable in medical settings by nonpsychologist health professionals. BBTI is effective in reducing symptoms of insomnia, such as sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, and sleep efficiency. In some cases, BBTI resulted in full remission from insomnia. Ongoing clinical trials are further testing the efficacy of BBTI using alternative treatment deliveries and in primary medical care settings.

Psychometric properties of the Insomnia Severity Index in cancer survivors

OBJECTIVE

Insomnia is commonly associated with cancer treatment. Cancer treatments increase risk for numerous psychological and medical late effects, thus making cancer survivors psychologically and medically vulnerable. Prior research examined psychometric properties of the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) with various populations, including the French version of the ISI, with participants undergoing active cancer treatment. However, no prior studies examined insomnia exclusively with cancer survivors, using the English version of the ISI.

METHODS

This study examined internal consistency and factor structure of an English version of the ISI in 100 cancer survivors (M_age  = 51.1; SD = 14.92). This final analytic sample was composed of participants from three different insomnia interventions. Survivors ranged from less than 1 year off treatment (17%) to 21+ years off treatment (6%), with most participants off treatment for 1 to 2 years (24%).

RESULTS

The mean ISI score for the total sample was 16.69 (SD = 4.47), indicating clinical insomnia, with moderate severity. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) indicated two factors (five items loading on Factor I and two items loading on Factor II) and acceptable reliability (α = .73). Item-total correlations ranged from .15 to .63.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings support the reliability of the ISI in cancer survivors. However, its factor structure warrants additional research with larger samples of cancer survivors. Results suggest inconsistency across participant responses and that ISI items may be functioning differently with this unique population of cancer survivors. Findings indicate that sleep maintenance problems are central to the experience of insomnia in our survivor sample.

Psychological risk in long-term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and its association with functional health status: A PETALE cohort study

BACKGROUND

Recent research has suggested that long-term pediatric cancer survivors were at risk of important physical and psychological morbidities. To date, we do not know to what extent functional health status contributes to psychological risk and which domains are most important. The aim of this study was to systematically explore which functional domain could explain anxiety, depression, and distress symptoms.

PROCEDURE

We used data available for 105 adolescents and 182 adults successfully treated for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia at two Canadian sites part of the PETALE cohort. Participants were ≥5 years postdiagnosis, aged 22 ± 6 years, 52% female, and 49% acute lymphoblastic leukemia high-risk status. The contribution of health functional status (15D/16D questionnaires) to self-reported anxiety, depression, and distress (Beck scales and distress thermometer) was evaluated using adjusted logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Prevalence rates found for mild-severe anxiety, depression, and distress were 14%, 21%, and 30% among adolescents and 27%, 20%, and 19% among adults. Frequent health domains associated with psychological risk were sleeping and breathing in adolescents, and vitality/fatigue, discomfort/symptoms, mental function, and sleeping in adults. Mental function was systematically associated with psychological risk across age groups (median OR = 10.00, 95% CI 3.01-33.71). Exploratory mediation bootstrapping analyses suggested that the effect on psychological risk of overall health status and mental function problems was partly explained by social/work/school functioning.

CONCLUSION

The results identified important functional health domains that could be targeted for interventions preventing psychological risk: vitality/fatigue, discomfort/symptoms, sleeping, and mental function issues. Health domains probably affect mood partly by limiting social/work/school functioning.

Insomnia disorder in adolescence: Diagnosis, impact, and treatment

Insomnia disorder is very common in adolescents; it is particularly manifest in older adolescents and girls, with a prevalence comparable to that of other major psychiatric disorders (e.g., depressive disorders). However, insomnia disorder in adolescence is poorly characterized, under-recognized, under-diagnosed, and under-treated, and the reason for the female preponderance for insomnia that emerges after puberty is largely unknown. Insomnia disorder goes beyond an individual complaint of poor sleep or a sleep state misperception, and there is emerging evidence supporting the association of insomnia symptoms in adolescents with alterations in several bio-systems including functional cortical alterations and systemic inflammation. Insomnia disorder is associated with depression and other psychiatric disorders, and is an independent risk factor for suicidality and substance use in adolescents, raising the possibility that treating insomnia symptoms in early adolescence may reduce risk for these adverse outcomes. Cognitive behavioral treatments have proven efficacy for adolescent insomnia and online methods seem to offer promising cost-effective options. Current evidence indicates that insomnia in adolescence is an independent entity that warrants attention as a public health concern in its own right.

Evaluation and treatment of insomnia in adult cancer survivorship programs

PURPOSE

Insomnia is commonly experienced by cancer survivors. Chronic insomnia is associated with significant physical and psychosocial consequences if not properly treated. Both the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommend the evaluation of sleep disturbances and evidence-based treatment of insomnia during routine survivorship care. To better understand current clinical practices, we conducted a survey of major cancer centers across the United States (US).

METHODS

Adult survivorship programs at the 25 US cancer centers that are both NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers and NCCN member institutions were surveyed about the evaluation and treatment of insomnia in their hospital.

RESULTS

All institutions responded to the survey. Thirteen centers (56 %) reported screening <25 % of survivors for sleep disorders, and few clinicians providing survivorship care were well-prepared to conduct a proper sleep evaluation. Insomnia was most commonly treated with sleep hygiene, or pharmacotherapy, rather than cognitive-behavioral therapy. No program reported that >50 % of their survivors were receiving optimal insomnia-related care. A variety of methods to improve insomnia care were endorsed by respondents.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a clear need to improve the evaluation and treatment of insomnia for cancer survivors at institutions across the country. Cancer centers deemed a number of modalities relevant for improving provider confidence in addressing sleep challenges.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

To improve the quality of insomnia care for survivors, systematic interventions to increase standardized screening for sleep disorders, providing additional sleep medicine training for survivorship clinicians, and optimizing the role of sleep medicine specialists in the oncology setting should be considered.