Managing cancer and living meaningfully (CALM): A randomized controlled trial of a psychological intervention for patients with advanced cancer.

Abstract

LBA10001 Background: Patients with advanced cancer experience substantial distress in response to the burden of disease and the challenge of living meaningfully in the face of impending mortality. We developed a novel, brief, manualized psychotherapeutic intervention called CALM designed to alleviate distress and facilitate adjustment in this population. CALM consists of 3-6 individual sessions delivered over 3-6 months and supports exploration in 4 broad domains: 1) symptom management and communication with health care providers; 2) changes in self and relations with close others; 3) sense of meaning and purpose; and 4) the future and mortality. Methods: Patients with advanced cancer were recruited from outpatient clinics at a comprehensive cancer center and randomized to receive either CALM or usual care (UC). Assessments of depressive symptoms (primary outcome), death-related distress and other secondary outcomes were conducted at baseline, 3 (primary endpoint) and 6 months. ANCOVA was used to test for outcome differences between groups at follow-up, controlling for baseline scores. Results: Three hundred and five participants were recruited and randomized (n = 151 CALM; n = 154 UC). Compliance with the intervention was 77.5% and attrition was 28% (16% deceased, 8% lost to follow-up, 4% withdrew). The CALM group reported less severe depressive symptoms compared to UC at 3 (ΔM1-M2 = 1.09, p < 0.04; Cohen’s d = 0.23) and 6 months (ΔM1-M2 = 1.33, p < 0.01; Cohen’s d = 0.29). Other statistically significant findings in psychological well-being and preparation for the end of life at 3- and 6- months also favored CALM vs UC. Conclusions: CALM is an effective intervention for patients with advanced cancer that provides a systematic approach to alleviate distress and to address predictable challenges. Clinical trial information: NCT01506492.