Psychosocial interventions for depression, anxiety, and quality of life in cancer survivors: meta-analyses

Leisure-time physical activity is associated with depressive symptoms in cancer patients: Data from the NHANES 2007-2018

BACKGROUND

Cancer patients have a higher risk of depression and are associated with severe adverse prognosis. The relationship between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and depressive symptoms in cancer patients is currently unclear. Therefore, our study mainly explores the potential association between LTPA and the weekly cumulative time of LTPA with depressive symptoms in cancer patients.

METHODS

We included and analyzed 3368 cancer patients (aged >20 years) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) of the United States from 1999 to 2018. The LTPA score was evaluated through a self-report questionnaire, while depressive symptoms were evaluated through the Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between LTPA duration and the occurrence of cancer-related depressiive symptoms. Linear correlation was studied using the restricted cubic spline method.

RESULTS

According to a fully adjusted multivariate logistic regression model with confounding variables, the odds ratio (OR) between LTPA and depressive symptoms in cancer patients in this study was 0.59 (95 % confidence interval = 0.39, 0.92; P = 0.02). When the LTPA level was ≥300 min/week, the incidence of depressive symptoms was reduced by 59 % (OR = 0.41, 95 % CI = 0.21, 0.83). In addition, the cubic spline method was used to obtain a linear negative correlation between LTPA duration and tumor depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSION

LTPA was negatively correlated with cancer-related depressive symptoms, and the cumulative time of LTPA/week was linearly correlated with depressive symptoms. The slope of the benefit curve changed significantly when the cumulative time of LTPA reached 600 min per week, suggesting that appropriately increasing LTPA had significant benefits on mental health of cancer patients.

'It's not meant to be for life, but it carries on': a qualitative investigation into the psychosocial needs of young retinoblastoma survivors

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a rare childhood eye cancer, with 45% of individuals impacted by heritable disease and the remainder impacted non-heritably. The condition can leave survivors with life-long psychological and social challenges. This qualitative study examined the psychosocial needs of teenagers and young adults living beyond Rb.

SETTING

A qualitative, exploratory study was conducted using focus groups with teenagers and interviews with young adults. Participants were recruited via the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust and the two national Rb treatment centres in the UK. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse data using exploratory and inductive methods.

PARTICIPANTS

32 young survivors of Rb (10 heritable, 21 non-heritable, 1 unknown; 23 unilateral, 9 bilateral) aged between 13 and 29 years (12 male, 20 female).

RESULTS

Data were rich and spanned the life course: three key themes were generated, containing eight subthemes. Theme 1 describes participants' experiences of childhood and trauma, including survivor guilt, memories from treatment and impact on personality. Theme 2 focuses on the challenges of adolescence, including the psychological impact of Rb, the impact on identity, and the sense of normality and adaptation to late effects. The third theme considered adulthood and the development of acceptance, a state of being widely considered unachievable during childhood, as well as the 'work' needed to feel supported, including seeking out information, peer support and therapeutic strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides in-depth insight into the experiences of life beyond Rb. Findings highlight the need for specific psychosocial interventions informed by codesign.

Non-medical interventions to enhance return to work for people with cancer

BACKGROUND

People with cancer are 1.4 times more likely to be unemployed than people without a cancer diagnosis. Therefore, it is important to investigate whether programmes to enhance the return-to-work (RTW) process for people who have been diagnosed with cancer are effective. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2011 and updated in 2015.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of non-medical interventions aimed at enhancing return to work (RTW) in people with cancer compared to alternative programmes including usual care or no intervention.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL (the Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO and three trial registers up to 18 August 2021. We also examined the reference lists of included studies and selected reviews, and contacted authors of relevant studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster-RCTs on the effectiveness of psycho-educational, vocational, physical or multidisciplinary interventions enhancing RTW in people with cancer. The primary outcome was RTW measured as either RTW rate or sick leave duration measured at 12 months' follow-up. The secondary outcome was quality of life (QoL).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed RCTs for inclusion, extracted data and rated certainty of the evidence using GRADE. We pooled study results judged to be clinically homogeneous in different comparisons reporting risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for RTW and mean differences (MD) or standardised mean differences (SMD) with 95% CIs for QoL.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 15 RCTs involving 1477 people with cancer with 19 evaluations because of multiple treatment groups. In this update, we added eight new RCTs and excluded seven RCTs from the previous versions of this review that were aimed at medical interventions. All included RCTs were conducted in high-income countries, and most were aimed at people with breast cancer (nine RCTs) or prostate cancer (two RCTs). Risk of bias We judged nine RCTs at low risk of bias and six at high risk of bias. The most common type of bias was a lack of blinding (9/15 RCTs). Psycho-educational interventions We found four RCTs comparing psycho-educational interventions including patient education and patient counselling versus care as usual. Psycho-educational interventions probably result in little to no difference in RTW compared to care as usual (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.24; 4 RCTs, 512 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). This means that in the intervention and control groups, approximately 625 per 1000 participants may have returned to work. The psycho-educational interventions may result in little to no difference in QoL compared to care as usual (MD 1.47, 95% CI -2.38 to 5.32; 1 RCT, 124 participants; low-certainty evidence). Vocational interventions We found one RCT comparing vocational intervention versus care as usual. The evidence was very uncertain about the effect of a vocational intervention on RTW compared to care as usual (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.13; 1 RCT, 34 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The study did not report QoL. Physical interventions Four RCTs compared a physical intervention programme versus care as usual. These physical intervention programmes included walking, yoga or physical exercise. Physical interventions likely increase RTW compared to care as usual (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.39; 4 RCTs, 434 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). This means that in the intervention group probably 677 to 871 per 1000 participants RTW compared to 627 per 1000 in the control group (thus, 50 to 244 participants more RTW). Physical interventions may result in little to no difference in QoL compared to care as usual (SMD -0.01, 95% CI -0.33 to 0.32; 1 RCT, 173 participants; low-certainty evidence). The SMD translates back to a 1.8-point difference (95% CI -7.54 to 3.97) on the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Multidisciplinary interventions Six RCTs compared multidisciplinary interventions (vocational counselling, patient education, patient counselling, physical exercises) to care as usual. Multidisciplinary interventions likely increase RTW compared to care as usual (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.33; 6 RCTs, 497 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). This means that in the intervention group probably 694 to 844 per 1000 participants RTW compared to 625 per 1000 in the control group (thus, 69 to 217 participants more RTW). Multidisciplinary interventions may result in little to no difference in QoL compared to care as usual (SMD 0.07, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.28; 3 RCTs, 378 participants; low-certainty evidence). The SMD translates back to a 1.4-point difference (95% CI -2.58 to 5.36) on the EORTC QLQ-C30.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Physical interventions (four RCTs) and multidisciplinary interventions (six RCTs) likely increase RTW of people with cancer. Psycho-educational interventions (four RCTs) probably result in little to no difference in RTW, while the evidence from vocational interventions (one RCT) is very uncertain. Psycho-educational, physical or multidisciplinary interventions may result in little to no difference in QoL. Future research on enhancing RTW in people with cancer involving multidisciplinary interventions encompassing a physical, psycho-educational and vocational component is needed, and be preferably tailored to the needs of the patient.

Survivorship Care for Women Living With Ovarian Cancer: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer ranks 12th in cancer incidence among women in the United States and 5th among causes of cancer-related death. The typical treatment of ovarian cancer focuses on disease management, with little attention given to the survivorship needs of the patient. Qualitative work alludes to a gap in survivorship care; yet, evidence is lacking to support the delivery of survivorship care for individuals living with ovarian cancer. We developed the POSTCare survivorship platform with input from survivors of ovarian cancer and care partners as a means of delivering patient-centered survivorship care. This process is framed by the chronic care model and relevant behavioral theory.

OBJECTIVE

The overall goal of this study is to test processes of care that support quality of life (QOL) in survivorship. The specific aims are threefold: first, to test the efficacy of the POSTCare platform in supporting QOL, reducing depressive symptom burden, and reducing recurrence worry. In our second aim, we will examine factors that mediate the effect of the intervention. Our final aim focuses on understanding aspects of care platform design and delivery that may affect the potential for dissemination.

METHODS

We will enroll 120 survivors of ovarian cancer in a randomized controlled trial and collect data at 12 and 24 weeks. Each participant will be randomized to either the POSTCare platform or the standard of care process for survivorship. Our population will be derived from 3 clinics in Texas; each participant will have received some combination of treatment modalities; continued maintenance therapy is not exclusionary.

RESULTS

We will examine the impact of the POSTCare-O platform on QOL at 12 weeks after intervention as the primary end point. We will look at secondary outcomes, including depressive symptom burden, recurrence anxiety, and physical symptom burden. We will identify mediators important to the impact of the intervention to inform revisions of the intervention for subsequent studies. Data collection was initiated in November 2023 and will continue for approximately 2 years. We expect results from this study to be published in early 2026.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will contribute to the body of survivorship science by testing a flexible platform for survivorship care delivery adapted for the specific survivorship needs of patients with ovarian cancer. The completion of this project will contribute to the growing body of science to guide survivorship care for persons living with cancer.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05752448; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05752448.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/48069.

Anxiety and depression in lung cancer: effect of psychological interventions - network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of depression and anxiety is high in patients with lung cancer, while multiple psychological interventions have revealed a positive impact on patients' negative emotions. However, it remains scarce which psychological intervention is the best choice for patients.This study was conducted to compare and rank the efficacy of psychological interventions on anxiety and depression in patients with lung cancer using a network meta-analysis.

METHODS

The Chinese academic database (CNKI, Wan Fang and Vip) and English academic database (The Cochrane Library, PubMed, PsycINFO and Web of Science) were searched from their inception to March 2022. Randomised controlled studies of psychological interventions on depression and anxiety in patients with lung cancer were included. Study selection and evaluation were conducted independently by two researchers. Included studies were performed a network meta-analysis to compare and rank the psychological interventions for negative emotions of patients with lung cancer. The clustered ranking of psychotherapies in the network was based on surface under the cumulative probability ranking curve values.

RESULTS

23 studies (2221 participants) with 13 psychological interventions were retrieved. The random-effects model showed a significantly large effect size of supportive therapy for anxiety (mean difference, MD 14.38, 95% CI 2.42 to 26.21) and depression (MD 14.29, 95% CI 2.74 to 25.70). The supportive therapy, sandplay therapy and music therapy were top three rankings of interventions for anxiety, while supportive therapy, dignity therapy and sandplay therapy were the top three interventions for depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Supportive therapy would be a more appropriate option for alleviating negative emotions in patients with lung cancer. Other psychological intervention techniques may be used as alternatives, such as sandplay therapy and music therapy for anxiety, dignity therapy and sandplay therapy for depression.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022320188.

Survivorship wellness: a multidisciplinary group program for cancer survivors

PURPOSE

National mandates require cancer centers provide comprehensive survivorship care. We created an 8-session, group intervention, the Survivorship Wellness Group Program (SWGP), that covered 8 topics: nutrition, physical activity, stress, sleep/fatigue, sexuality/body image, emotional wellbeing/fear of cancer recurrence, spirituality/meaning, and health promotion/goal setting. This study examined the acceptability and preliminary outcomes of SWGP.

METHODS

We evaluated SWGP using questionnaire data collected at program entry and 15-week follow-up. Questionnaires assessed acceptability and impact on anxiety, depression, quality of life, and perceived knowledge of topics. Enrollees who consented to participate in research and completed the baseline and 15-week follow-up were included in the analysis (N = 53). We assessed acceptability and preliminary outcomes using paired-samples t-tests. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SWGP transitioned to telehealth partway through data collection. Post-hoc analyses compared outcomes by intervention delivery.

RESULTS

Participants completed an average of 7.44/8 classes. Participants reported a mean response of 3.42/4 regarding overall program satisfaction and 90.6% reported being "very likely" to recommend SWGP. SWGP was associated with decreases in anxiety and depression; increases in physical, emotional, functional, and overall quality of life; and increases in knowledge of all health behavior domains. No outcomes differed significantly between delivery in person versus telehealth.

CONCLUSIONS

SWGP offers an acceptable and replicable model for cancer centers to meet national survivorship care guidelines.

IMPLICATION FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

SWGP provides a comprehensive service for cancer survivors post-treatment, and was associated with better quality of life, fewer mental health symptoms, and increased knowledge in multiple domains of wellness.

Improving Symptom Management for Survivors of Young Adult Cancer: Development of a Novel Intervention

Purpose: Improved symptom management is a critical although unmet post-treatment need for young adult (YA) cancer survivors (aged 18-39 at diagnosis). This study aimed to develop and refine a behavioral symptom management intervention for YA survivors. Methods: Phase I: YA survivors (N = 21) and oncology providers (N = 11) completed individual interviews and an online, self-report assessment to examine symptom experiences, the need for a behavioral symptom management intervention for YAs, and perceptions about potential intervention components, structure, and format. Phase II: YA survivors (N = 10) completed user testing sessions, providing feedback on the prototype intervention materials (paper manual and mobile application), and completed an online assessment. Quantitative data were examined using descriptive statistics. Rapid qualitative analysis, a methodologically rigorous standardized approach, was used. Results: Pain, fatigue, and distress were ranked as top concerns by most YAs and providers. Phase I interviews underscored the need for a symptom management intervention for YAs. YAs and providers highlighted potential coping strategies and program format/structure suggestions (e.g., small group format) to best meet YAs' needs. A prototype intervention was developed combining the following: traditional behavioral symptom coping skills; home-based physical activity; strategies from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy; and strategies to foster self-compassion. Phase II user testing sessions highlighted strengths and suggestions for refining the prototype materials. Conclusion: Post-treatment symptoms are common for YAs. A tailored behavioral symptom management program was developed and refined with input from YAs and providers and will be examined for feasibility and acceptability in a pilot randomized controlled trial. Clinical Trial: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT04035447.

The Lexical Association Technique: A randomized controlled trial with breast cancer patients

Low self-esteem is a vulnerability factor for depressive disorders, and the prevention of psychological disorders is essential in cancer patients. The enhancement of self-esteem in breast cancer patients may therefore be an appropriate clinical target. Previous studies have shown the efficacy of the Lexical Association Technique to enhance self-esteem in healthy subjects. This study aims to test the clinical efficacy and acceptability of the Lexical Association Technique on the self-esteem of cancer patients. A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted on 63 breast cancer patients during their radiotherapy treatment. Global self-esteem measures were taken using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale before and after the Lexical Association Technique and 1 month after its end. The results showed a significant improvement in global self-esteem in patients immediately after performing the Lexical Association Technique compared to an active control group. However, the positive effects did not last 1 month. These results confirm the efficacy and suitability of the Lexical Association Technique for cancer patients. Avenues of research are proposed to extend the effects of the technique and increase its transdiagnostic applicability.

Feasibility and Preliminary Effectiveness of Behavioral Activation for Patients with Cancer and Depression in Japan

Background

Though the effectiveness of behavioral activation (BA) for patients with cancer and depression were reported, there is no evidence in Japan.

Objectives

This study aimed at examining the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of BA for patients with cancer and depression in Japan.

Methods

This pre-post study without a control group was conducted in patients with cancer and depression in Japan. The program completion rate was compared with those of previous studies to examine feasibility. To examine the preliminary effectiveness, outcomes were evaluated four times: before and immediately after the program, and two weeks and three months after the program ended. The primary outcome was the remission rate of depression using the 17-item version of the GRID Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD₁₇). Secondary outcomes were self-reported depression, anxiety, quality of life, changes in behavior, values, and perceived reward of activity and environmental factors. Pre- and post-program data were compared using paired-samples t-tests, and data obtained at four time points were analyzed using one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance.

Results

Of the 68 patients recruited from February 2018 to January 2022, 32 were registered. The completion rate was 75% (24/32), which was similar to previous studies. The total HAMD₁₇ score significantly improved after the program. The remission rate of depression was 62.5% (20/32), which was above the defined threshold value (30%). All but two secondary outcomes significantly improved after the program (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of BA for patients with cancer and depression in Japan were suggested.

The Clinical Trial Registration number: UMIN 000036104.

Management of Anxiety and Depression in Adult Survivors of Cancer: ASCO Guideline Update

PURPOSE

To update the American Society of Clinical Oncology guideline on the management of anxiety and depression in adult cancer survivors.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary expert panel convened to update the guideline. A systematic review of evidence published from 2013-2021 was conducted.

RESULTS

The evidence base consisted of 17 systematic reviews ± meta analyses (nine for psychosocial interventions, four for physical exercise, three for mindfulness-based stress reduction [MBSR], and one for pharmacologic interventions), and an additional 44 randomized controlled trials. Psychological, educational, and psychosocial interventions led to improvements in depression and anxiety. Evidence for pharmacologic management of depression and anxiety in cancer survivors was inconsistent. The lack of inclusion of survivors from minoritized groups was noted and identified as an important consideration to provide high-quality care for ethnic minority populations.

RECOMMENDATIONS

It is recommended to use a stepped-care model, that is, provide the most effective and least resource-intensive intervention based on symptom severity. All oncology patients should be offered education regarding depression and anxiety. For patients with moderate symptoms of depression, clinicians should offer cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), behavioral activation (BA), MBSR, structured physical activity, or empirically supported psychosocial interventions. For patients with moderate symptoms of anxiety, clinicians should offer CBT, BA, structured physical activity, acceptance and commitment therapy, or psychosocial interventions. For patients with severe symptoms of depression or anxiety, clinicians should offer cognitive therapy, BA, CBT, MBSR, or interpersonal therapy. Treating clinicians may offer a pharmacologic regimen for depression or anxiety for patients who do not have access to first-line treatment, prefer pharmacotherapy, have previously responded well to pharmacotherapy, or have not improved following first-line psychological or behavioral management.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/survivorship-guidelines.

Study protocol: the OptiScreen-Study: optimized psycho-oncological care-from screening to intervention

PURPOSE

Adequate, needs-oriented psycho-oncological care contributes to reducing psychological distress in cancer patients and their relatives and improving quality of life. Regarding the precise determination of objective and subjective needs, there are often discrepancies in practice between the screening instrument completed by patients, the clinical impression of the treatment team, and the judgment of the psycho-oncology team.

METHODS

The present multicenter study "OptiScreen", involving three German Comprehensive Cancer Centers (Hannover, Leipzig, Dresden), aims to professionalize psychosocial screening to enable targeted and needs-based allocation to psycho-oncological support. Optimization and professionalization of the screening process will be achieved by training of oncological nursing staff to improve the targeted identification of distressed patients and provide them with needs-based psycho-oncological care. The non-randomized pre-post study will include inpatients with gastrointestinal cancers from the visceral oncology centers at the three sites. First, the comparison group (CG) will be assessed of N = 300. After completion of nursing training, the intervention group (IG) with N = 600 patients will be evaluated by validated questionnaires.

RESULTS

The aim is to reduce barriers on both the patient and treatment side by promoting interdisciplinary dialogue and linking the screening with a personal consultation offer provided by the nurses, which should help to increase utilization and reduce patients' fears, shame and information deficits.

CONCLUSION

It is not sufficient to establish a well-validated screening procedure, it also has to be feasible and useful in clinical practice. "OptiScreen" aims to improve the psycho-oncological care situation. In parallel, the study enables the professionalization of psycho-oncological care with the involvement of important professional groups (e.g. nursing) and thus aims to develop a "best practice model".

Virtual Music Therapy versus Virtual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety in Cancer Survivors: Rationale and Protocol for a Comparative Effectiveness Trial (Preprint)

BACKGROUND

Cancer survivors represent one of the fastest growing populations in the United States. Unfortunately, nearly 1 in 3 survivors experience anxiety symptoms as a long-term consequence of cancer and its treatment. Characterized by restlessness, muscle tension, and worry, anxiety worsens the quality of life; impairs daily functioning; and is associated with poor sleep, depressed mood, and fatigue. Although pharmacological treatment options are available, polypharmacy has become a growing concern for cancer survivors. Music therapy (MT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are evidence-based, nonpharmacological treatments that have demonstrated effectiveness in treating anxiety symptoms in cancer populations and can be adapted for remote delivery to increase access to mental health treatments. However, the comparative effectiveness of these 2 interventions delivered via telehealth is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of the Music Therapy Versus Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Cancer-related Anxiety (MELODY) study are to determine the comparative effectiveness of telehealth-based MT versus telehealth-based CBT for anxiety and comorbid symptoms in cancer survivors and to identify patient-level factors associated with greater anxiety symptom reduction for MT and CBT.

METHODS

The MELODY study is a 2-arm, parallel-group randomized clinical trial that aims to compare the effectiveness of MT versus CBT for anxiety and comorbid symptoms. The trial will enroll 300 English- or Spanish-speaking survivors of any cancer type or stage who have experienced anxiety symptoms for at least 1 month. Participants will receive 7 weekly sessions of MT or CBT delivered remotely via Zoom (Zoom Video Communications, Inc) over 7 weeks. Validated instruments to assess anxiety (primary outcome), comorbid symptoms (fatigue, depression, insomnia, pain, and cognitive dysfunction), and health-related quality of life will be administered at baseline and at weeks 4, 8 (end of treatment), 16, and 26. Semistructured interviews will be conducted at week 8 with a subsample of 60 participants (30 per treatment arm) to understand individual experiences with the treatment sessions and their impact.

RESULTS

The first study participant was enrolled in February 2022. As of January 2023, 151 participants have been enrolled. The trial is expected to be completed by September 2024.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first and largest randomized clinical trial to compare the short- and long-term effectiveness of remotely delivered MT and CBT for anxiety in cancer survivors. Limitations include the lack of usual care or placebo control groups and the lack of formal diagnostic assessments for psychiatric disorders among trial participants. The study findings will help guide treatment decisions for 2 evidence-based, scalable, and accessible interventions to promote mental well-being during cancer survivorship.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/46281.

Stress Management Interventions to Facilitate Psychological and Physiological Adaptation and Optimal Health Outcomes in Cancer Patients and Survivors

Cancer diagnosis and treatment constitute profoundly stressful experiences involving unique and common challenges that generate uncertainty, fear, and emotional distress. Individuals with cancer must cope with multiple stressors, from the point of diagnosis through surgical and adjuvant treatments and into survivorship, that require substantial psychological and physiological adaptation. This can take a toll on quality of life and well-being and may also promote cellular and molecular changes that can exacerbate physical symptoms and facilitate tumor growth and metastasis, thereby contributing to negative long-term health outcomes. Since modifying responses tostressors might improve psychological and physiological adaptation, quality of life, and clinical health outcomes, several randomized controlled trials have tested interventions that aim to facilitate stress management. We review evidence for the effects of stress management interventions on psychological and physiological adaptation and health outcomes in cancer patients and survivors and summarize emerging research in the field to address unanswered questions.

Psychological interventions for women with non-metastatic breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide. It is a distressing diagnosis and, as a result, considerable research has examined the psychological sequelae of being diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. Breast cancer is associated with increased rates of depression and anxiety and reduced quality of life. As a consequence, multiple studies have explored the impact of psychological interventions on the psychological distress experienced after a diagnosis of breast cancer. This review is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2015.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of psychological interventions on psychological morbidities and quality of life among women with non-metastatic breast cancer.  SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Breast Cancer Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP) and ClinicalTrials.gov up to 16 March 2021. We also scanned the reference lists of relevant articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials that assessed the effectiveness of psychological interventions for women with non-metastatic breast cancer.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently appraised, extracted data from eligible trials, and assessed risk of bias and certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. Any disagreement was resolved by discussion. Extracted data included information about participants, methods, the intervention and outcomes.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 60 randomised controlled trials comprising 7998 participants. The most frequent reasons for exclusion were non-randomised trials and the inclusion of women with metastatic disease. The updated review included 7998 randomised women; the original review included 3940 women. A wide range of interventions was evaluated. Most interventions were cognitive- or mindfulness-based, supportive-expressive, and educational. The interventions were mainly delivered face-to-face (56 studies) and in groups (50 studies) rather than individually (10 studies). Most intervention sessions were delivered on a weekly basis with an average duration of 14 hours. Follow-up time ranged from two weeks to 24 months.  Pooled standardised mean differences (SMD) from baseline indicated that the intervention may reduce depression (SMD -0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.52 to -0.02; P = 0.04; 27 studies, 3321 participants, I2 = 91%, low-certainty evidence); anxiety (SMD -0.43, 95% CI -0.68 to -0.17; P = 0.0009; 22 studies, 2702 participants, I2 = 89%, low-certainty evidence); mood disturbance in the intervention group (SMD -0.18, 95% CI -0.31 to -0.04; P = 0.009; 13 studies, 2276 participants, I2 = 56%, low-certainty evidence); and stress (SMD -0.34, 95% (CI) -0.55 to -0.12; P = 0.002; 8 studies, 564 participants, I2 = 31%, low-certainty evidence). The intervention is likely to improve quality of life in the intervention group (SMD 0.78, 95% (CI) 0.32 to 1.24; P = 0.0008; 20 studies, 1747 participants, I2 = 95%, low-certainty evidence). Adverse events were not reported in any of the included studies.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on the available evidence, psychological intervention may have produced favourable effects on psychological outcomes, in particular depression, anxiety, mood disturbance and stress. There was also an improvement in quality of life in the psychological intervention group compared to control group. Overall, there was substantial variation across the studies in the range of psychological interventions used, control conditions, measures of the same outcome and timing of follow-up.

The Relationship Between Self-reported Cognitive Abilities and Psychological Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors

BACKGROUND

Many breast cancer survivors (BCSs) report numerous symptoms following cancer treatment, including cognitive concerns and psychological symptoms (anxiety and depression). However, the association among these symptoms is not well understood.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives were to, primarily, examine the relationship between self-reported cognitive ability and psychological symptoms (anxiety and depressive symptoms) controlling for potential confounders of age, education, and time posttreatment and, secondarily, examine the relationship between self-reported cognitive domains (attention, language, visuoperception, visual memory, and verbal memory) and psychological symptoms.

METHODS

This secondary data analysis pooled data from 2 theoretically and conceptually congruent, institutional review board-approved studies of BCSs. Breast cancer survivors completed the Multiple Ability Self-report Questionnaire (cognitive ability), Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory-State (anxiety), and Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (depressive symptoms). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and separate linear regression.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty-five BCSs who were on average 54.8 (SD, 8.9) years of age, approximately 5 years (mean, 5.2 [SD, 3.8] years) posttreatment, and well-educated (mean, 15.2 [SD, 2.2] years) completed questionnaires. In bivariate correlations, higher anxiety and depressive symptoms were significantly related to cognitive abilities in all domains ( P = <.01). In the regression model, increased anxiety was associated with poorer cognitive abilities in all domains ( P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Anxiety and depressive symptoms were associated with decrements in self-reported cognitive abilities among BCSs.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

With increasing numbers of BCSs, more research is needed to address psychological symptoms, which correlate with cognitive function. Findings from this analysis can inform clinical BCS survivorship care planning and future interventional research, focused on comprehensive symptom management.

The Chemo-Gut Study: A Cross-Sectional Survey Exploring Physical, Mental, and Gastrointestinal Health Outcomes in Cancer Survivors

Background

Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, may adversely affect gastrointestinal (GI), physical and mental health in survivors of cancer.

Objective

This study investigated associations between GI, mental and physical health outcomes, and cancer treatment-related variables, such as chemotherapy, in adult cancer survivors.

Methods

A one-time cross-sectional survey with patient-reported outcomes was used. Cancer survivors (N = 317) aged ≥18 years, living in Canada, who completed cancer treatments were included. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and linear regression analyses are reported.

Results

Mean age at diagnosis was 40.90 ± 15.40 years. Most survivors received chemotherapy (86.1%). Persistent GI symptoms include constipation (53.6%), diarrhea (50.5%), and bloating/pain (54.9%). Mean GI symptom duration was 30.53 ± 33.42 months. Severity of GI symptom interference was moderate to extreme for 51.9% of survivors. Compared to normative values of 50 in healthy people, survivors scored poorer for mental health (M = 42.72 ± 8.16) and physical health (M = 45.55 ± 7.93), and reported more belly pain (M = 56.10 ± 8.58), constipation (M = 54.38 ± 6.81), diarrhea (M = 55.69 ± 6.77), and gas/bloating (M = 56.08 ± 8.12). Greater GI symptom severity was associated with poorer mental and physical health (P < .01). Chemotherapy was associated with increased belly pain (B = 4.83, SE = 1.65, P < .01) and gas/bloating (B = 3.06, SE = 1.45, P = .04).

Conclusion

We provide novel evidence that many cancer survivors experience chronic, moderate to severe GI symptoms lasting for years after cancer treatment, which are associated with worse mental and physical health. Chemotherapy is associated with specific GI symptoms. Integrative therapies are needed to address GI symptoms in cancer survivors.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and depression in cancer survivors: a meta-analysis

This study aimed to investigate the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on anxiety and depression in cancer survivors. The PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of CBT in cancer survivors were included. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used as an effect size indicator. Fifteen studies were included. For the depression score, the pooled results of the random effects model were as follows: pre-treatment versus post-treatment, SMD (95% confidence interval [CI]) = 0.88 (0.46, 1.29), P < 0.001; pre-treatment versus 3-month follow-up, 0.83 (0.09, 1.76), P = 0.08; pre-treatment versus 6-month follow-up, 0.92 (0.27, 1.58), P = 0.006; and pre-treatment versus 12-month follow-up, 0.21 (- 0.28, 0.70), P = 0.40. For the anxiety score, the pooled results of the random effects model were as follows: pre-treatment versus post-treatment, 0.97 (0.58, 1.36), P < 0.001; pre-treatment versus 3-month follow-up, 1.45 (- 0.82, 3.72), P = 0.21; and pre-treatment versus 6-month follow-up, 1.00 (0.17, 1.83), P = 0.02). The pooled result of the fixed effects model for the comparison between pre-treatment and the 12-month follow-up was 0.10 (- 0.16, 0.35; P = 0.45). The subgroup analysis revealed that the geographical location, treatment time and treatment form were not sources of significant heterogeneity. CBT significantly improved the depression and anxiety scores of the cancer survivors; such improvement was maintained until the 6-month follow-up. These findings support recommendations for the use of CBT in survivors of cancer.

Hybrid-delivered cognitive behavioral symptom management and activity coaching intervention for patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant: Findings from intervention development and a pilot randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

Develop and pilot test a mobile health (mHealth) cognitive behavioral coping skills training and activity coaching protocol (HCT Symptoms and Steps) for hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) patients.

DESIGN

Two-phase, mixed methods study.

SAMPLE

HCT patients and healthcare providers.

METHODS

Phase I was patient (n = 5) and provider (n = 1) focus groups and user testing (N = 5) to develop the HCT Symptoms and Steps protocol. Phase II was a pilot randomized trial (N = 40) to evaluate feasibility, acceptability, and pre-to-post outcomes (e.g., physical disability, pain, fatigue, distress, physical activity, symptom self-efficacy) compared to an education control.

FINDINGS

Qualitative feedback on symptoms, recruitment strategies, coping skills, and mHealth components (e.g., Fitbit, mobile app) were integrated into the protocol. HCT Symptoms and Steps were feasible and acceptable. Pre-post changes suggest physical disability and activity improved while symptoms (e.g., fatigue, distress) decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

HCT Symptoms and Steps have strong feasibility and acceptability and shows promise for benefits. Larger, fully-powered randomized trials are needed to examine intervention efficacy.

IMPLICATIONS

HCT Symptoms and Steps may reduce physical disability and improve health outcomes post-transplant.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03859765.

Cancer service delivery and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review

Background

The impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on health systems is widely reported worldwide. However, what remains unclear is the relative extent of the pandemic's effects on cancer management in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This review provides an up-to-date synthesis of the literature to inform post-pandemic policy and practice efforts in the region.

Methods

Sources searched for published research include MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, African Index Medicus, African Wide Information and Web of Science. Using predefined criteria, the retrieved citations were screened for primary research describing the direct and indirect impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the cancer care and service delivery landscape in SSA since March 2020. Evidence was summarised using narrative synthesis.

Results

Fourteen studies reporting findings from 19 SSA countries were included in this review. Studies were conducted mostly in the first wave of the pandemic (between March and July 2020) (10/14). The most commonly reported impact on cancer treatment (including surgery) were cancellations, delays and modifications (11/14). Half (7/14) of the studies reported on the impact of the pandemic on cancer care resource availability and service restructuring. Other notable impacts included temporary suspension, total cancellations or alterations in cancer screening (3/14) and diagnostic (3/14) services or programmes. Disruptions in cancer research and outreach activities were also reported (3/14). The availability and maintenance of cancer healthcare depended on multiple factors like availability of clinical supplies, existing oncology workforce, adequate supply of personal protective equipment and local pandemic mitigation measures. Notably, no studies reported on the impact of the pandemic on psychosocial support programmes, physiotherapy and other rehabilitation care for cancer patients.

Conclusion

Changes in cancer care and service delivery due to the COVID-19 pandemic varied considerably across countries in SSA. This review underscores the need for urgent actions to mitigate current setbacks while recommending evidence-based and contextualised approaches to revitalising cancer care in the post-pandemic era.

Effective maNagement of depression among patients witH cANCEr (ENHANCE): a protocol for a hybrid systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials of interventions for depressive symptoms

BACKGROUND

Depression is common among patients with cancer and is associated with lower treatment participation, lower satisfaction with care, poorer quality of life, greater symptom burden and higher healthcare costs. Various types of interventions (e.g. pharmacological, psychotherapy) are used for the treatment of depression. However, evidence for these among patients with cancer is limited. Furthermore, the relative effectiveness and acceptability of different approaches are unknown because a direct comparison between all available treatments has not been carried out. We will address this by conducting a network meta-analysis (NMA) of interventions for depression among people with cancer using a hybrid overview of reviews and systematic review methodology.

METHODS

We will search for and extract data from systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of depression interventions for patients with cancer from inception, before performing a supplemental search for more recent RCTs. We will include RCTs comparing pharmacological, psychotherapy, exercise, combination therapy, collaborative care or complementary and alternative medicine interventions with pill placebo, no treatment, waitlist, treatment as usual or minimal treatment control groups, or directly in head-to-head trials, among adults who currently have cancer or have a history of any cancer and elevated depressive symptoms (scores above a cut-off on validated scales or meeting diagnostic criteria). Our primary outcomes will be change in depressive symptoms (standardised mean difference) and intervention acceptability (% who withdrew). Our secondary outcomes will be 6-month change in depressive symptoms, health-related quality of life, adverse events and mortality. We will independently screen for eligibility, extract data and assess risk of bias using the RoB 2 tool. We will use frequentist random-effects multivariate NMA in Stata, rankograms and surface under the cumulative ranking curves to synthesise evidence and obtain a ranking of intervention groups. We will explore heterogeneity and inconsistency using local and global measures and evaluate the credibility of results using the Confidence in NEtwork Meta-Analysis (CINeMA) framework.

DISCUSSION

Our findings will provide the best available evidence for managing depression among patients with cancer. Such information will help to inform clinical guidelines, evidence-based treatment decisions and future research by identifying gaps in the current literature.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

Submitted to PROSPERO (record number: 290145), awaiting registration.

Regaining autonomy, competence, and relatedness: Experiences from two Shared Reading groups for people diagnosed with cancer

This study explored 12 cancer patients' experiences from participating in an online and on-site Shared Reading group for 16 weeks in Norway. Shared Reading is a practice in which prose and poetry are read aloud in small parts and discussed along the way. The study is a qualitative evaluation study with a particular focus on how the participants experienced the reading group supported their life living with cancer. The study was mainly based on the data collected from focus group discussions with the participants, which was analysed qualitatively through open coding. In total, four themes were identified: (1) open space, (2) disconnecting through connecting, (3) community, and (4) resonances and echoes. The participants expressed that the RG helped them to "balance life and cancer", and "disconnect" from their illness. The cognitive effort needed was beneficial for the participants as a form for "cognitive training." Since many of the participants had, due to their illness, completely stopped reading books, the reading group also brought literature back into the participants' lives. Furthermore, it was essential for the participants to feel they contributed to a community, to feel useful and valuable for others. The texts were also important, as some of them resonated strongly with the participants in the way of activating memories and connecting a text to own experiences. After a session, a text could still have an impact as an echo. The results are synthesised, discussed, and supported through the framework of self-determination theory and, more specifically, the basic psychological need theory. The reading group was experienced as a support for autonomy, competence, and relatedness and promoted a feeling of intrinsic motivation that brought about new dimensions in the participants' lives. The study wishes to increase our knowledge of the benefits of integrating Shared Reading groups as a low-cost, literature-based psychosocial support in cancer organisations.

Prevalence of psychological distress among cancer patients in Southeast Asian countries: A systematic review

Psychological distress (including depression and anxiety) is common in the first years of cancer diagnosis but can differ by country and region. The aim of the present paper was to review the prevalence of psychological distress among cancer patients in the Southeast Asia (SEA) region. A systematic literature search was carried out using several databases (i.e., PubMed, PsychARTICLES, Embase, CINAHI, Web of Sciences, Plus, Scopus, and AHMED). Papers originally published in English language were taken into consideration if they (i) were published from 2010 to 2021 and (ii) reported the prevalence of psychological distress among patients with different types of cancer. A total of 23 studies met the inclusion criteria. The most frequently employed psychometric instrument for anxiety and depression screening was the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The prevalence of anxiety (ranging from 7% to 88%) was wider than that of depression (ranging from 3% to 65.5%) among patients with different types of cancer and living in various countries in the SEA region. The overall prevalence rate of psychological distress among cancer patients from the SEA region was not fundamentally very different from that of general populations. These findings provide useful information for health professionals and cancer patients to understand the negative role of psychological distress in quality of life and health. The research findings demonstrate the importance of counselling for psychological distress among cancer patients as means of effectively resolving their psychological problems and ultimately improving the quality of oncology medical care. Clinical recommendations for cancer management should incorporate the early identification of (and therapy for) psychological distress, as well as their monitoring during treatment.

Impact of connected health interventions on psychological wellbeing and quality of life in patients with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Connected health technologies have the potential to improve access to cancer care and support and reduce costs. We aimed to assess the impacts of interventions delivered using connected health technologies on psychological and quality of life (QoL) outcomes in people living with and beyond cancer.

METHODS

PUBMED, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and EMBASE were searched using terms relating to (i) cancer, (ii) connected health, and (iii) QoL/psychological wellbeing. Studies were included if they evaluated interventions using connected health technologies and assessed psychological and/or QoL outcomes for adults at any stage of cancer treatment or survivorship.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria with a total of 8956 participants. Connected health technologies included web-based applications (n = 24), smart applications (n = 12), and wearable devices (n = 1). Studies were heterogeneous in terms of intervention components. We identified five clusters: (i) Psychosocial support and rehabilitation, (ii) psychoeducation and information support, (iii) symptom monitoring, reporting and self-management, (iv) peer and social support, and (v) health coaching and physical activity training. Due to heterogeneity of outcome measures, the meta-analysis included only seven RCTs; pooled mean estimates showed connected health interventions were moderately effective in reducing symptoms of depression (SMD: -0.226, 95% CI -0.303/-0.149) and anxiety (SMD: -0.188, 95% CI: 0.279/-0.0963) compared with usual care.

CONCLUSION

While the considerable heterogeneity observed highlights the need for more rigorous studies to improve reproducibility and efficiency, results suggest that connected health interventions have the potential to improve psychological wellbeing and QoL outcomes in people living with and beyond cancer.

The relationship between fear of recurrence and depression in patients with cancer: The role of invasive rumination and catastrophizing

Objective

To examine the relationship between fear of recurrence and depression in patients with cancer.

Materials and methods

Two hundred and fifty-nine participants completed self-report questionnaires, including the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form, Rumination Inventory, Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (Chinese version), and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale.

Results

Fear of recurrence in patients with cancer was moderate, and the level of depression was significantly higher than that in the normal population. Fear of recurrence, invasive rumination, catastrophizing, and depression in patients with cancer were significantly positively correlated. The level of fear of recurrence was a significant positive predictor of the level of depression. Invasive rumination played a partial mediating role between fear of recurrence and depression; that is, fear of recurrence directly affected depression, and fear of recurrence indirectly affected depression through invasive rumination. Catastrophizing played a moderating role in the mediation model, in which fear of recurrence affected depression through invasive rumination.

Conclusion

Invasive rumination plays a mediating role between fear of recurrence and depression in patients with cancer. Catastrophizing moderates the relationship between fear of recurrence and depression as well as the relationship between invasive rumination and depression.

Understanding the basis of major depressive disorder in oncological patients: Biological links, clinical management, challenges, and lifestyle medicine

In recent years, the incidence of different types of cancer and patient survival have been rising, as well as their prevalence. The increase in survival in recent years exposes the patients to a set of stressful factors such as more rigorous follow-up and more aggressive therapeutic regimens that, added to the diagnosis of the disease itself, cause an increase in the incidence of depressive disorders. These alterations have important consequences for the patients, reducing their average survival and quality of life, and for these reasons, special emphasis has been placed on developing numerous screening tests and early recognition of depressive symptoms. Despite that cancer and major depressive disorder are complex and heterogeneous entities, they also share many critical pathophysiological mechanisms, aiding to explain this complex relationship from a biological perspective. Moreover, a growing body of evidence is supporting the relevant role of lifestyle habits in the prevention and management of both depression and cancer. Therefore, the present study aims to perform a thorough review of the intricate relationship between depression and cancer, with a special focus on its biological links, clinical management, challenges, and the central role of lifestyle medicine as adjunctive and preventive approaches to improve the quality of life of these patients.

Effects of Self-Care Education Intervention Program (SCEIP) on Activation Level, Psychological Distress, and Treatment-Related Information

Self-care education can direct patients to manage their side effects during treatment, reduce psychological distress, and improve self-care information. In this study, the effectiveness of the Self-Care Education Intervention Program (SCEIP) on patient activation levels, psychological distress, and treatment-related concerns in women with breast cancer was assessed by adopting a longitudinal quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design. The data for 246 women with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy were collected. Pre- and post-interventional assessments were conducted at baseline (T1) and the second (T2), fourth (T3), and sixth (T4) cycles using the 13-item Patient Activation Measure, 14-item Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and 25-item Cancer Treatment Survey. It was found that the SCEIP significantly improved the activation level (p ≤ 0.001), psychological distress (anxiety level (p ≤ 0.001), the depression level (p ≤ 0.001)), and treatment-related concerns (sensory/psychological concerns (p = 0.05); procedural concerns (p ≤ 0.001)). Therefore, the SCEIP could potentially improve patients’ activation level, psychological distress, and treatment-related concerns regarding symptom management during chemotherapy, specifically for Malaysian women with breast cancer.

Effectiveness of mindfulness-based supportive psychotherapy on posttraumatic growth, resilience, and self-compassion in cancer patients : A pilot study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based supportive psychotherapy on posttraumatic growth, resilience, and self-compassion of the cancer patients.

METHODS

This quasi-experimental study was conducted as a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up inquiry with a control group. A total of 30 patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected through the convenience sampling method out of all patients referred to ALA Cancer Prevention and Control Center (MACSA) in Isfahan city, Iran. They were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group received mindfulness-based supportive psychotherapy (SP) for 6 sessions of 90-min, while the control group only received treatment as usual (TAU). Finally, both groups were re-evaluated through the post-test and follow-up stages after 3 months. The research instruments included the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and Neff's Self-Compassion Scale. Collected data were analyzed using the repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVA).

RESULTS

The results showed that the group supportive psychotherapy significantly increased posttraumatic growth (p < 0.05) and resilience (p < 0.05), and improved self-compassion (p < 0.05) in the experimental group over the post-test phase. At the post-intervention phase, the effect sizes were Cohen's d = 0.72, d = 0.68, and d = 0.63 for post-traumatic growth, resilience, and self-compassion, respectively. Changes were constantly implemented in the follow-up phase as well.

CONCLUSION

According to the results of the present study, mindfulness-based supportive psychotherapy could be used along with usual medical treatment in order to improve post-traumatic growth, resilience, and self-compassion in cancer patients.

Implementing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Specialty Medical Settings

This article is an introduction to the second issue of a two-part special series on integrating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) into medical settings. The first issue focused on integrating CBT into primary care, and this issue focuses on implementing CBT in other specialty medical settings, including cancer treatment, HIV care, and specialized pediatric medical clinics. Models for treatment delivery to improve ease of implementation are also discussed, including telehealth and home-delivered treatment. The six articles in this series provide examples of how to transport CBT techniques that are largely designed for implementation in outpatient mental health settings to specialized medical settings, and discuss unique considerations and recommendations for implementation. Reprinted from Cogn Behav Pract, Vol. 21:4, pp. 367-371, with permission from Elsevier. Copyright 2014.

Mental and Physical Health Concerns in the Context of COVID-19: Opportunities and Applications for Behavioral Medicine

Numerous physical and mental health concerns have been documented in the context of COVID-19, and it is likely that patients, survivors, frontline health care workers, and other affected individuals will present to psychiatry for treatment. Behavioral medicine, an interdisciplinary field that is defined by a behavioral and biomedical conceptualization of clinical care, offers an opportunity for collaboration with psychiatry and other health care providers to meet the myriad needs resulting from the pandemic. This review summarizes a conceptual framework of behavioral medicine and clinical health psychology, COVID-19-related quality of life concerns that may be applicable to behavioral medicine referrals, clinical assessment directions, and intervention opportunities. The review combines both findings specific to COVID-19 and general behavioral medicine principles with an overall goal of providing a basic introduction to behavioral medicine practice, applications, and opportunities for management of medical and psychological symptoms.

Nurse-led educational interventions for anxiety management in cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed toward evaluating the effectiveness of nurse-led educational interventions in anxiety management in cancer survivors.

METHODS

The electronic databases including Embase, PubMed, CINAHL Complete, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and ERIC and manual search were subjected to a systematic search from 2000 to March 2021. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 1028 studies were identified through five electronic databases and manual search. Overall, 42 studies were included in this systematic review. In addition, 32 included studies also investigated the interventional effects in management of depression. Therefore, depression was set as the secondary outcome. The meta-analysis of 20 randomized controlled trials with 2936 participants showed that nurse-led educational interventions decreased cancer survivors' anxiety with a moderate effect size (ES: - 0.25; 95% CI, - 0.35 to - 0.15, p = 0.03). The meta-analysis of 15 studies with 1906 participants indicated that nurse-led educational interventions decreased cancer survivors' depression with a moderate effect size (ES: - 0.33; 95% CI, - 0.45 to - 0.21, p = 0.09).

CONCLUSION

Evidence supports the effectiveness of nurse-led educational interventions for reducing anxiety and depression in cancer survivors. An individual approach, the combination of face-to-face interventions and materials, a duration of 6 months, and a maximum of 60 min for each session could be considered in the future when developing educational interventions to manage anxiety.

Are cancer patients with high depressive symptom levels able to manage these symptoms without professional care? The role of coping and social support

Objective

Around 25% of cancer patients experiences depressive symptoms. However, the majority does not receive formal psychological care because patients often prefer managing symptoms alone or with informal social support. Previous research has shown that adaptive coping and social support can indeed be effective in managing relatively mild depressive symptoms. However, higher depressive symptom levels rarely improve without psychological treatment. This longitudinal study examined how and to what extent coping and social support are related to reductions in depressive symptoms in cancer patients with moderate to severe depressive symptoms.

Methods

Respondents were diagnosed with cancer in the past five years, experienced high depressive symptom levels (PHQ‐9 ≥ 10) and were not receiving psychological care at baseline. We collected data with self‐report questionnaires (including PHQ‐9, brief COPE and Social Support List) at two assessments, taken three months apart.

Results

Although depressive symptoms decreased significantly between baseline and follow‐up, the average level at follow‐up was still moderate to severe. Patients using less avoidant coping, specifically less substance use, were more likely to report a reduction of depressive symptoms. We found no significant beneficial effects of approach coping and social support (coping) on the course of depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

A significant group of cancer patients with high levels of depressive symptoms do not seem able to effectively manage depressive symptoms by themselves, especially those more likely to avoid dealing with their symptoms. Cancer patients can be educated about avoidant coping and its possible detrimental effects, as well as being informed about possibilities of psychosocial services.

Utilizing a manualized therapy to provide parallel treatment to older adults with cancer and their caregivers: A case study

The experience of anxiety is a common and understandable reaction to a diagnosis of and treatment for cancer. Patients of any age may experience negative psychological and physical symptoms during cancer treatment; older adults with cancer simultaneously face the impact of cancer and the effects of aging. Caregivers of older adults with cancer are also vulnerable to experiencing anxiety as their loved one navigates the physical and emotional sequelae of their illness and treatment. This paper describes the use of Managing Anxiety from Cancer (MAC), a 7-session telephone-delivered manualized cognitive-behavioral intervention that includes strategies from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Problem-Solving Therapy, with an older woman with cancer and her adult daughter. MAC includes a variety of techniques for patients and caregivers, who are encouraged to use these strategies individually or in different combinations to manage their anxiety. This brief treatment provided a parallel experience for the participants, as the older adult patient and her caregiver were taught the same anxiety-management techniques by their individual therapists. We will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using a manualized psychotherapy intervention in this case, as well as MAC's impact on each member of this pair and on the dyad as a unit. Both the patient and her caregiver reported experiencing benefit from their participation in MAC and identified MAC-acquired skills they planned to use in the future to manage their anxiety and improve communication. While assessment data did not reflect a decrease in anxiety, it is possible that the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic confounded these data.

What interventions affect the psychosocial burden experienced by prostate cancer patients undergoing active surveillance? A scoping review

PURPOSE

Living with untreated prostate cancer (PCa) may cause anxiety and uncertainty in men undergoing active surveillance (AS). Developing a psychosocial support program for such patients might promote psychosocial well-being and patient engagement. This review aims to identify interventions with the potential to influence the psychosocial burden of prostate cancer patients undergoing AS.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews Checklist. A systematic search was conducted in six databases and included publications dating from 2009. All available and eligible evidence was included in this review.

RESULTS

After screening 2824 articles, 12 studies were included in the review: nine quantitative, one qualitative, and two mixed method papers. The relative strength of these studies was limited and the quality of most was moderate.

CONCLUSIONS

The described interventions can be categorized into three major themes: information and education, coping and (psycho)social support, and lifestyle. Psychosocial support for men undergoing AS should entail involvement of family and spouse during the decision-making process, tailored information about PCa treatments, risks, benefits, protocols, lifestyle adjustments, and complementary and alternative medicine. Assessment and promotion of effective coping and self-management strategies are recommended. Healthcare providers should actively promote physical activity and nutritional improvements. Physical activity programs may also be helpful in facilitating peer support, which is especially important for men with limited social support. Future research should investigate combining interventions to increase efficacy and optimize supportive care during AS.

Patient Preferences for Anxiety and Depression Screening in Cancer Care: A Discrete Choice Experiment

OBJECTIVES

Screening for anxiety and depression in cancer care is recommended, as identification is the first step in managing anxiety and depression. Nevertheless, patient preferences for anxiety and depression screening in cancer care are unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate and identify the aspects of an anxiety and depression screening program cancer patients value most, to inform decision-makers about ways to improve patient uptake and ultimately, the provision of patient-centered care.

METHODS

A discrete choice experiment was designed and implemented within an Australian cancer population sample. Participants were presented with a series of hypothetical screening programs labeled as "screening program 1" and "screening program 2" and were asked to choose their preferred one. The discrete choice experiment was administered using an online survey platform. A mixed logit and a latent class analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

Participants (n = 294) preferred screening to be conducted by a cancer nurse, face-to-face, and at regular intervals (monthly or every 3 months). Participants also preferred follow-up care to be delivered by mental health professionals embedded within the cancer care team. Factors that influenced preferences were the low cost and short waiting times for access to care.

CONCLUSIONS

Cancer patients prefer cancer services with integrated mental healthcare services. To maximize patient uptake, anxiety and depression screening programs should be routinely offered, delivered by oncology healthcare staff in a face-to-face format, and, postscreening, to be care for by mental health professionals embedded within the cancer service.

Effects of nurse-led nonpharmacological pain interventions for patients with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The purposes of this study were to review the types of nurse-led nonpharmacological pain interventions (NPI) offered to cancer patients and/or family caregivers, and to determine a comprehensive and robust estimate of the effect size of nurse-led NPI for cancer patients on various pain-related outcomes.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis. Studies assessing nurse-led NPIs targeting cancer patients and published between January 2008 and December 2020 were identified by searching multiple literature databases, including MEDLINE^® , EMBASE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, ProQuest Medical Library, and CINAHL^® .

METHODS

This review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. The selected randomized clinical trials were independently assessed for methodological quality. The effect sizes (ESs) of treatment were presented as standardized mean differences (Hedges' g) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

FINDINGS

A meta-analysis was performed to analyze data from 22 randomized clinical trials. Three types of nurse-led NPI were offered, mainly to cancer patients but also to some caregivers: music, physical, and psycho-educational interventions. The dose and duration of nonpharmacological interventions varied widely. The study participants ranged in age from 44.1 to 67.3 years. Meta-analysis indicated that, although these interventions had small effects in long-term (g = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.06-0.43, p = 0.011) to medium effects in short-term (g = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.32-0.53, p < 0.001), they significantly reduced patients' pain, increased their knowledge of pain management, reduced barriers to pain management and pain coping, and improved other physical and emotional symptoms. The significance of the ES differed according to the type of intervention, with psycho-educational and physical NPIs having a significant but medium short-term ES, whereas music NPI had a significant but large short-term ES. Only psycho-educational NPIs had significant long-term effects.

CONCLUSION

The combined ES showed that these nurse-led NPIs were significantly effective in both the short and long-term. Types of intervention as a potential moderator were associated with short-term and long-term effects of nonpharmacological interventions on patient outcomes.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Research-tested interventions should be provided to help patients cope effectively with pain.

Effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy on quality of life in patients with prostate cancer after androgen deprivation therapy: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Prostate cancer (PCa), as a malignant tumour with rapid development in recent years, significantly affects men's health, work, life and economy. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) plays an important role in the treatment of PCa and can be used as a complementary therapy in the late stage of castration-resistant prostate cancer. Though ADT targeting PCa shows an effective therapeutic effect, the underlying side effects (cognitive disorder, hot flashes, a decrease in sexuality) cannot be ignored. At present, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been widely used for patients with PCa after ADT due to its confirmed efficacy, fewer side effects and lower economic burden. However, the effectiveness of CBT for patients with PCa after ADT is still controversial. Therefore, we will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of CBT for patients with PCa after ADT.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Literatures will be searched from establishment of the database to 31 May 2021 with the language restrictions of English and Chinese in eight online databases (PubMed, Embase, the Web of Science, Cochrane Library, VIP, CNKI, CBM, and WAN FANG). This study will include RCTs that performed CBT as the main method of the experimental group for patients with PCa after ADT. Two or more reviewers will independently conduct the selection of studies, data extraction and data analysis. The risk ratios with 95% CIs will be used to present the data synthesis result of dichotomous data, while weighted mean differences or standardised mean differences with 95% CIs will be used to present the data synthesis result of continuous data. Meanwhile, evidence quality of outcome will be assessed by using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation method. Stata V.13.0 and Review Manager software V.5.3 will be used for analysis and synthesis.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This protocol is a second study based on a completed randomised controlled study. Thus, ethical approval is not required, and no additional data are available.

OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/FUVEA.

Personalized versus standard cognitive behavioral therapy for fear of cancer recurrence, depressive symptoms or cancer-related fatigue in cancer survivors: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial (MATCH-study)

Background

Fear of cancer recurrence, depressive symptoms, and cancer-related fatigue are prevalent symptoms among cancer survivors, adversely affecting patients’ quality of life and daily functioning. Effect sizes of interventions targeting these symptoms are mostly small to medium. Personalizing treatment is assumed to improve efficacy. However, thus far the empirical support for this approach is lacking. The aim of this study is to investigate if systematically personalized cognitive behavioral therapy is more efficacious than standard cognitive behavioral therapy in cancer survivors with moderate to severe fear of cancer recurrence, depressive symptoms, and/or cancer-related fatigue.

Methods

The study is designed as a non-blinded, multicenter randomized controlled trial with two treatment arms (ratio 1:1): (a) systematically personalized cognitive behavioral therapy and (b) standard cognitive behavioral therapy. In the standard treatment arm, patients receive an evidence-based diagnosis-specific treatment protocol for fear of cancer recurrence, depressive symptoms, or cancer-related fatigue. In the second arm, treatment is personalized on four dimensions: (a) the allocation of treatment modules based on ecological momentary assessments, (b) treatment delivery, (c) patients’ needs regarding the symptom for which they want to receive treatment, and (d) treatment duration. In total, 190 cancer survivors who experience one or more of the targeted symptoms and ended their medical treatment with curative intent at least 6 months to a maximum of 5 years ago will be included. Primary outcome is limitations in daily functioning. Secondary outcomes are level of fear of cancer recurrence, depressive symptoms, fatigue severity, quality of life, goal attainment, therapist time, and drop-out rates. Participants are assessed at baseline (T0), and after 6 months (T1) and 12 months (T2).

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is the first randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of personalized cognitive behavioral therapy to standard cognitive behavioral therapy in cancer survivors. The study has several innovative characteristics, among which is the personalization of interventions on several dimensions. If proven effective, the results of this study provide a first step in developing an evidence-based framework for personalizing therapies in a systematic and replicable way.

Trial registration

The Dutch Trial Register (NTR) NL7481 (NTR7723). Registered on 24 January 2019.

Acute Cancer Cognitive Therapy Online Training Program: Feasibility and Impact on Clinician Knowledge Uptake

The delivery of psychosocial support to patients and families is challenging in the acute cancer setting. To meet their needs, we developed Acute Cancer Cognitive Therapy (ACCT), an approach that applies traditional cognitive therapy (CT) techniques to this setting. We assessed the feasibility and impact of a six-hour web-based ACCT training for professionals working in psychosocial oncology. Learners were recruited in person at psycho-oncology lectures, workshops, and conferences and through social media channels. One hundred and thirty professionals completed the application, and 46 learners completed all training requirements. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample of applicants and learners, and a paired-samples t-test compared learners' scores on pre-and-post assessments of ACCT knowledge. Learners were predominantly female (n = 40, 86.9%), white (n = 42, 91.3%), and trained in the disciplines of social work (n = 17, 36.9%) or psychology (n = 17, 36.9%). Post-training scores were significantly higher than baseline, averaging a 19.78-point increase. These results support the feasibility and positive impact of using this web-based training to teach ACCT. Future studies will evaluate alternative approaches to retention, multi-cultural applicability, broader dissemination and the extent and durability of skill acquisition using multimodal longitudinal models of assessment.

Addressing distress management challenges: Recommendations from the consensus panel of the American Psychosocial Oncology Society and the Association of Oncology Social Work

Distress management (DM) (screening and response) is an essential component of cancer care across the treatment trajectory. Effective DM has many benefits, including improving patients' quality of life; reducing distress, anxiety, and depression; contributing to medical cost offsets; and reducing emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Unfortunately, many distressed patients do not receive needed services. There are several multilevel barriers that represent key challenges to DM and affect its implementation. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used as an organizational structure to outline the barriers and facilitators to implementation of DM, including: 1) individual characteristics (individual patient characteristics with a focus on groups who may face unique barriers to distress screening and linkage to services), 2) intervention (unique aspects of DM intervention, including specific challenges in screening and psychosocial intervention, with recommendations for resolving these challenges), 3) processes for implementation of DM (modality and timing of screening, the challenge of triage for urgent needs, and incorporation of patient-reported outcomes and quality measures), 4) organization-inner setting (the context of the clinic, hospital, or health care system); and 5) organization-outer setting (including reimbursement strategies and health-care policy). Specific recommendations for evidence-based strategies and interventions for each of the domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research are also included to address barriers and challenges.

The effect of interpersonal psychotherapy on quality of life among breast cancer patients with common mental health disorder: a randomized control trial at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital

PURPOSE

To determine the effect of interpersonal psychotherapy on anxiety, depression, and quality of life among breast cancer patients with mental health disorders at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia.

METHODS

A two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial study was conducted among 114 (n = 57 intervention, and n = 57 control group) breast cancer patients with common mental health disorder at the oncology center of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. The hospital anxiety and depression measurement scale was used to assess depression and anxiety disorder and a 30-item quality of life questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life. General linear model analysis was done, confounding factors were controlled, and p < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.

RESULTS

Patients in the intervention group showed a significant improvement in the anxiety (coefficient - 3.68; 95% CI - 5.67, - 1.69; p < 0.001), depression (coefficient - 3.22; 95% CI - 4.7, - 1.69; p < 0.001), physical functioning (coefficient 10.55; 95% CI 3.13, 17.98; p = 0.006), health-related quality of life (coefficient 21.85; 95% CI 14.1, 29.59; p < 0.001), insomnia (coefficient - 19.56; 95% CI - 31.87, - 7.25; p = 0.002), and fatigue (coefficient - 11.37; 95% CI - 21.49, - 1.24; p = 0.028) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The adapted Ethiopian version of interpersonal psychotherapy had improved anxiety, depression, and some domains of health-related quality of life. Hence, health programmers should consider incorporating it as a treatment option in oncology centers.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

PACTR202011629348967 granted on 20 November 2020 which was retrospectively registered.

What sixty years of research says about the effectiveness of patient education on health: a second order meta-analysis

Although meta-analyses have examined the association between patient education and health, the validity and quality of this evidence have not been comprehensively assessed. This second order meta-analysis combined previous meta-analyses that examined the effectiveness of patient education on health outcomes as an overall weighted grand mean d¯¯. Further, measures of methodological quality, meaningful variability across first order meta-analyses, and evidence for publication bias were examined. Forty meta-analyses were identified, investigating 156 associations between patient education and health summarizing data from over 776 studies including more than 74.947 patients. Quantitative analyses showed that patient education positively affects health outcomes with d¯¯ = 0.316 (95% CI [0.304, 0.329]). Summarizing data exclusively from randomized controlled trials indicated a causal effect. Patient education was effective for patients with neoplasms, diabetes, mental and behavioral disorders, diseases of the circulatory system, the respiratory system, and the musculoskeletal system. Patient education was effective in the reduction of medication use, pain, and visits to medical facilities, and significantly improved physiological, physical, psychological outcomes, and patients' general function. Overall, the findings reveal firm evidence for the effectiveness of patient education on health outcomes. However, theory-based interventions are lacking and need to be implemented to enable a successful transfer from theory to practice.

Exercise Therapy and Radiation Therapy for Cancer: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

Exercise therapy (ET) is shown to improve toxicity and surrogates of survival for patients receiving chemotherapy. Current National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines lack recommendations for concurrent radiation therapy (RT) and ET. The main objective was to determine the impact of concurrent ET + RT with respect to (1) acceptability, feasibility, safety; and (2) to demonstrate how incorporating ET in cancer treatment can enhance patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and physical function-defined as strength or exercise capacity.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A PICOS/PRISMA selection protocol was used to search PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Cochrane Review for prospective randomized controlled trials evaluating concurrent ET + RT, including >10 patients and with 1 or more study arms. Acceptability, feasibility, and safety rates were calculated. PROs were assessed with study-specific metrics. Physical function was defined as improvements in strength or range of motion. Statistically significant improvement was defined by P <.05.

RESULTS

Twenty-six of 693 screened studies including 1563 patients (831 receiving exercise, 732 controls) with localized breast cancer (67.1% of patients), prostate cancer (27.4%), head and neck cancers (2.8%), and spinal metastases (2.8%) were assessed. Objective 1: Among 3385 patients approached for ET, 1864 (55.1%) accepted the treatment; of those, 1563 patients (83.9%) completed the trials. Objective 2: Statistical improvements were noted in these PROs: quality of life (14 of 15 studies), fatigue (12 of 16 studies), mood/depression (9 of 13), and anxiety (6 of 7). Physical function improved statically in 16 of 16 studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination ET + RT is safe and well-tolerated with improvements in PROs and physical function. Additional studies are needed in patients with metastatic cancers to assess survival and to compare effectiveness of different exercise regimens.

A study of elite sport-inspired coaching for patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

A need for social support is often expressed after hospitalization post HSCT. Emotional support and positive psychological constructs play an important role in post-HSCT recovery. Interventions generating positive affect can influence the health and well-being of transplant patients. It has been established that coaching in elite sport area leads to performance by playing a decisive role in maintaining the athlete’s feelings of hope and autonomy in order to enable him or her to achieve their goals. In this single-center, prospective, one-arm study, we evaluated, in 32 post-HSCT patients, the acceptability of a coaching program inspired by elite sport coaching. Benefits were evaluated by questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The coaching program was accepted by 97% of the patients. Analysis of the scores on the “Means” sub-dimension of Hope showed a significant increase over time (p = 0.0249 < 0.05) for every patient. Qualitative analysis of patient’s satisfaction pointed out that this support facilitated the transition to a life without illness in particular in the non-hospital context of coaching sessions. Our results show that a “sport-inspired coaching“ may offer an innovative approach supporting psychological and social recovery after HSCT and helping to start and/or maintain the processes leading to psychological well-being.

Health-related quality of life and physical functioning in patients participating in a rehabilitation programme, undergoing non-myeloablative allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Outcomes from a single arm longitudinal study

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to report HRQOL, patient activation and physical functioning of haematological patients, participating in a 6-month multimodal interdisciplinary rehabilitation programme HAPPY, when undergoing non-myeloablative allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (NMA-HSCT).

METHODS

A prospective single-arm longitudinal design. Outcomes were collected as part of a feasibility study and included: HRQOL (EORTC QLQ-C30), patient activation measure (PAM), cardiorespiratory capacity (VO_2peak ), leg extensor power, lean body mass, measured pre-NMA-HSCT at 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Thirty (mean age (SD) 64.1 (6.5)) out of 34 patients participated and 18 completed HAPPY. Outcome measures showed large individual differences of decline and improvement during follow-up. Patients rated HRQOL as good (median 70.8; range 33.3-100). Fatigue, dyspnoea, insomnia and appetite loss mainly remained or worsened. PAM stayed in the upper half of range (median 55.6; range 20.5-84.8) with a trend towards improvement at 12-month follow-up. Physical functioning scores were low [i.e. baseline VO_2peak , men median 1.5 L/min range (1.0-2.9), women 1.0 L/min (0.8-1.4), leg extensor power men 2.1 Watt/kg range (1.3-3.8), women 1.7 Watt/kg (1.3-2.4), lean body mass men 19.5% (17.6-24.9) and women 17.8% (15.3-21.7)].

CONCLUSION

The sustained low level of physical functioning and symptoms 12-month after NMA-HSCT emphasise the need for pre-rehabilitation and long-lasting rehabilitation support in this frail patient group.

Barriers and engagement in breast cancer survivorship wellness activities

PURPOSE

Breast cancer survivors may be at risk for increased rates of emotional distress and poorer quality of life. Survivorship care plans (SCPs) promoting wellness activities may support well-being; however, survivors may not receive or engage in their SCPs. This study aimed to assess receipt and participation in SCP activities as well as barriers to engagement amongst breast cancer survivors.

METHODS

Breast cancer survivors (n = 187; 99% female, Mean age = 57.7) consented and completed self-reported assessments of SCP recommendations, engagement and interest in wellness activities, and potential barriers to engagement.

RESULTS

A minority of participants recalled receiving an SCP (21%). The most physician recommended (62%) and completed (53%) activity was exercise. Interest in adding other wellness activities to the SCP was high, with reported interest levels of approximately 50% for several activities (e.g., mind body, nutrition, psychotherapy interventions). Fully half reported that having a physician-designed plan would influence participation in activities. The most common reported barriers to SCP activity engagement were lack of time (82%), work/school (65%), and lack of information (65%).

CONCLUSION

Few survivors recalled receiving a formal SCP, and lack of information about wellness activities was a commonly reported barrier to participation. Interest in wellness activities was generally high and may indicate the need for more formal prescription or motivation enhancement techniques to promote SCP engagement. There may be a clinical need to emphasize SCP recommendations to enhance recall and increase engagement in wellness activities that may reduce psychological distress and improve quality of life.

Factors to improve distress and fatigue in Cancer survivorship; further understanding through text analysis of interviews by machine learning

BACKGROUND

From patient-reported surveys and individual interviews by health care providers, we attempted to identify the significant factors related to the improvement of distress and fatigue for cancer survivors by text analysis with machine learning techniques, as the secondary analysis using the single institute data from the Korean Cancer Survivorship Center Pilot Project.

METHODS

Surveys and in-depth interviews from 322 cancer survivors were analyzed to identify their needs and concerns. Among the keywords in the surveys, including EQ-VAS, distress, fatigue, pain, insomnia, anxiety, and depression, distress and fatigue were focused. The interview transcripts were analyzed via Korean-based text analysis with machine learning techniques, based on the keywords used in the survey. Words were generated as vectors and similarity scores were calculated by the distance related to the text's keywords and frequency. The keywords and selected high-ranked ten words for each keyword based on the similarity were then taken to draw a network map.

RESULTS

Most participants were otherwise healthy females younger than 50 years suffering breast cancer who completed treatment less than 6 months ago. As the 1-month follow-up survey's results, the improved patients were 56.5 and 58.4% in distress and fatigue scores, respectively. For the improvement of distress, dyspepsia (p = 0.006) and initial scores of distress, fatigue, anxiety, and depression (p < 0.001, < 0.001, 0.043, and 0.013, respectively) were significantly related. For the improvement of fatigue, economic state (p = 0.021), needs for rehabilitation (p = 0.035), initial score of fatigue (p < 0.001), any intervention (p = 0.017), and participation in family care program (p = 0.022) were significant. For the text analysis, Stress and Fatigue were placed at the center of the keyword network map, and words were intricately connected. From the regression anlysis combined survey scores and the quantitative variables from the text analysis, participation in family care programs and mention of family-related words were associated with the fatigue improvement (p = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

Common symptoms and practical issues were related to distress and fatigue in the survey. Through text analysis, however, we realized that the specific issues and their relationship such as family problem were more complicated. Although further research needs to explore the hidden problem in cancer patients, this study was meaningful to use personalized approach such as interviews.

Developing a cognitive behavioral therapy for hypersomnia using telehealth: a feasibility study

STUDY OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a novel cognitive behavioral therapy for hypersomnia (CBT-H) in people with central disorders of hypersomnolence and co-occurring depressive symptoms using a telehealth model for delivery and assessment.

METHODS

Thirty-five adults with narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia received a 6-session CBT-H delivered individually or in small groups using videoconferencing. The clinical impact of CBT-H was evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System measures, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and other patient-reported outcomes collected online at baseline and posttreatment. Feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and telehealth model was also evaluated using qualitative data collected from exit interviews conducted through videoconferencing.

RESULTS

Forty percent of the sample achieved a clinically significant baseline to posttreatment change in depressive symptoms (decrease in Patient Health Questionnaire ≥ 5), which is below the prespecified efficacy benchmark (50% of the sample). The prespecified benchmark for a minimal clinically important difference (Cohen's d > 0.5) on other psychosocial measures was met only on the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System global self-efficacy (d = 0.62) in the total sample. Qualitative data revealed enthusiasm for the accessibility of telehealth delivery and the usefulness of several cognitive and behavioral modules but also revealed opportunities to refine the CBT-H program.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that this new CBT-H program can potentially reduce depressive symptoms and improve self-efficacy in people with central disorders of hypersomnolence. Furthermore, telehealth is a promising model for remote delivery and data collection to enhance participant accessibility and engagement.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: Psychosocial Adjunctive Treatment for Hypersomnia (PATH); URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03904238; Identifier: NCT03904238.

Organizing Psycho-Oncological Care for Cancer Patients: The Patient's Perspective

BACKGROUND

Cancer patients often suffer from psychological distress during or after cancer treatment, but the use of psycho-oncological care among cancer patients is limited. One of the reasons might be that the way psycho-oncological care is organized, does not fit patients' preferences. This study aimed to obtain detailed insight into cancer patients' preferences regarding the organization of psycho-oncological care.

METHODS

18 semi-structured interviews were conducted among cancer patients. Patients completed psycho-oncological treatment between 2015 and 2020 at the psychology department in a general hospital or a center specialized in psychological cancer care in the Netherlands. The interview comprised questions related to preferences regarding the institute where to receive treatment, the psychologist who provides treatment, and the type of treatment, as well as questions related to experienced barriers and facilitators to receive psycho-oncological care. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed individually by two coders into key issues and themes.

RESULTS

Regarding the institute, easy accessibility and prompt availability of psychol-oncological care were considered important. Regarding the psychologist, most participants had a strong preference to be treated by a psychologist specialized in cancer or other somatic diseases. Individual face-to-face therapy was preferred above other types of treatment. Several barriers were mentioned to receive psycho-oncological treatment, among which poor accessibility to psycho-oncological care, lack of knowledge on the possibilities for psycho-oncological treatment, and stigma. Most frequently mentioned facilitators were being assertive to ask for help, having a good relationship with the healthcare professional, and the integration of psycho-oncological support within medical cancer care.

CONCLUSION

From the patient's perspective, the organization of psycho-oncological care for cancer patients should focus on easy accessibility and availability, delivered by specialized psychologists, and integration in medical cancer care. Online and group therapy are acceptable, but individual face-to-face therapy is preferred. It is warranted to increase awareness on psycho-oncological care targeting both patients and healthcare providers.