Psycho-Oncological Intervention Through Counseling in Patients With Differentiated Thyroid Cancer in Treatment With Radioiodine (COUNTHY, NCT05054634): A Non-randomized Controlled Study.

Nuria Javaloyes,M Carmen Redal,Manuel Sureda,Lara Botella,Antonio Brugarolas,Aurora Crespo,Vanesa Escudero-Ortiz

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.767093

Abstract

BackgroundDiagnosis and treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTC) cause anxiety and depression. Additionally, these patients suffer hormonal alterations that are associated with psychological symptoms (e.g., changes in mood, emotional instability, and memory loss). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a psycho-oncological intervention based on counseling to reduce anxiety and depression related to the treatment in patients with DTC.MethodsA non-randomized controlled study, with two groups [experimental group (EG), n = 37, and control group (CG), n = 38] and baseline and posttreatment measures, was designed. Patients in the EG received a psycho-oncological intervention based on counseling in addition to the standard treatment. The independent variable was the assigned group and the dependent one was the evolution of anxiety and depression, which were analyzed separately, and both were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Other relevant covariables related to the quality of life (QoL) were also analyzed using Short Form-36 Health Survey and Psychological General Wellbeing Index scales.ResultsThe difference of the posttreatment-baseline variation showed a statistically significant reduction in anxiety and depression in the EG in relation to the CG (p < 0.001). The mean of the Psychological General Wellbeing Index scales score increased significantly in the EG (p < 0.001) and decreased significantly in the CG (p < 0.001). All the baseline and the posttreatment scores of the variables evaluated showed a statistically significant improvement in the EG vs. the CG.ConclusionThis study demonstrates significant benefits of psycho-oncological intervention based on counseling in anxiety, depression, QoL, and wellbeing of the patient with differentiated thyroid carcinomas.

Highlights

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most frequent cancer of the endocrine system and the main cause of death due to tumors originating in this system
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a psycho-oncological intervention based on counseling to reduce anxiety and depression related to the treatment in patients with Differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTC)
This study demonstrates significant benefits of psycho-oncological intervention based on counseling in anxiety, depression, quality of life (QoL), and wellbeing of the patient with differentiated thyroid carcinomas

Summary

Introduction

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most frequent cancer of the endocrine system and the main cause of death due to tumors originating in this system. Differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTC) originate from follicular cells and constitute up to 90% of all TC. RIT is administered orally and is absorbed selectively by any remaining thyroid tissue, including TC cells elsewhere in the body, without harming normal tissues (Luster et al, 2008; Soriano et al, 2012). Hormonal alterations due to the treatment itself or to the controls needed for follow-up can cause changes in mood, lack of concentration, emotional instability, and/or memory loss among others (Cooper et al, 2006; Saravanan et al, 2006). Diagnosis and treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTC) cause anxiety and depression. These patients suffer hormonal alterations that are associated with psychological symptoms (e.g., changes in mood, emotional instability, and memory loss).

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion