Intervention For Breast Cancer Survivors Research Articles

Results of the Optimune trial: A randomized controlled trial evaluating a novel Internet intervention for breast cancer survivors.

IntroductionAfter the acute treatment phase, breast cancer patients often experience low quality of life and impaired mental health, which could potentially be improved by offering cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and addressing exercise and dietary habits. However, CBT and other behavioural interventions are rarely available beyond the acute treatment phase. Internet-based interventions could bridge such treatment gaps, given their flexibility and scalability. In this randomized controlled trial (RCT), we investigated the effects of such an intervention (“Optimune”) over three months.MethodsThis RCT included 363 female breast cancer survivors (age range = 30–70), recruited from the community, who had completed the active treatment phase. Inclusion criteria were: breast cancer diagnosis less than 5 years ago and acute treatment completion at least 1 month ago. Participants were randomly assigned to (1) an intervention group (n = 181), in which they received care as usual (CAU) plus 12-month access to Optimune immediately after randomization, or (2) a control group (n = 182), in which they received CAU and Optimune after a delay of 3 months. Primary endpoints were quality of life (QoL), physical activity, and dietary habits at three months. We hypothesized that intervention group participants would report better QoL, more physical activity, and improved dietary habits after 3 months.ResultsIntention-to-treat (ITT) analyses revealed significant effects on QoL (d = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.07–0.48) and dietary habits (d = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.15–0.56), but the effect on physical exercise was not significant (d = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.10–0.51).DiscussionThese findings suggest the effectiveness of Optimune, a new CBT-based Internet intervention for breast cancer survivors, in facilitating improvements in quality of life and dietary habits. Efforts to disseminate this intervention more broadly may be warranted.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03643640. Registered August 23rd 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03643640.

High-intensity interval training in breast cancer survivors: a systematic review

BackgroundTo review the settings and outcomes of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) interventions for breast cancer survivors, and to explore the feasibility of prescribing exercise for breast cancer survivors.MethodsA systematic search of electronic databases was conducted for studies published up to May 31, 2020. Eligibility criteria included randomized controlled trials of HIIT intervention in breast cancer survivors. Studies were grouped by whether the intervention was conducted during or after breast cancer treatment, and intervention methods and outcomes were reviewed within each group.ResultsTwenty-six studies were identified, and 13 satisfied the inclusion criteria. Intervention was conducted during treatment in 8 studies, and after treatment in 5. Intervention duration ranged from 3 to 16 weeks, with 2 or 3 sessions per week, for a total of 9 to 36 sessions. All interventions were supervised; 12 were lab-based, and 1 was community-based. One of most promising outcomes was improvement of cardiorespiratory fitness by HIIT.ConclusionThis review found that all studies on HIIT for breast cancer survivors investigated lab-based, supervised interventions, but not home-based or unsupervised. HIIT is a time-efficient method for increasing cardiovascular function in breast cancer survivors, but further research is necessary to determine its effects on other outcomes.

Abstract PS8-09: Dietary supplement use in a healthy eating and exercise lifestyle intervention in breast cancer survivors: The lifestyle exercise and nutrition (LEAN) study

Abstract Background: Dietary supplements (DS), defined as herbal preparations, vitamins and minerals (DSHEA Act 1994), are used by 70% of cancer survivors. The World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research 2018 Cancer Prevention Recommendations specify not to use DS to protect against cancer. There is some evidence that DS are linked to harmful outcomes, including increased mortality and breast cancer recurrence. DS have potential pharmacokinetic interactions via cytochrome P450 enzyme and pharmacodynamic interactions via estrogenic or hepatotoxic activity, which may increase or reduce clinical efficacy or potentiate adverse effects of Tamoxifen and Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs). This analysis examines baseline usage of DS and potential interactions with Tamoxifen and AIs among breast cancer survivors enrolled in the Lifestyle, Exercise, and Nutrition (LEAN) study, a randomized healthy eating and exercise lifestyle intervention. Methods: We examined the use of DS in 151 breast cancer survivors enrolled in the LEAN Study. Women with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m 2 were randomly assigned to a 6-month healthy eating and exercise lifestyle intervention (n=93) or to usual care (n=58). At baseline and 6 months, we asked participants to self-report regular DS use, defined as at least 3 times a week for at least one month. The intervention group received evaluation and counseling of DS use by a Registered Dietitian (RD) with a Certified Specialty in Oncology Nutrition (CSO). Potential interactions of moderate and major ratings between DS with Tamoxifen and AIs (Letrozole, Exemestane and Anastrozole) were identified through the Natural Medicines Database by both a pharmacist specializing in oncology and a RD, CSO. Results: Out of 151 women, at baseline 120 (80%) reported using DS. Fifty-four different formulations were enumerated. The majority of women (72, 60%) were taking ≥ 3 formulations. One quarter of women (29, 24%) were taking ≥ 5 formulations (range = 1 - 20). Of the 54 formulations, 33% had potential interactions with Tamoxifen and/or AIs according to the Natural Medicines Database. Total interactions by medication were: 18 Tamoxifen, 14 Letrozole, 14 Exemestane, 9 Anastrozole. The majority of these interactions (87%) were associated with herbal preparations. Conclusions: Our findings are indicative of the high prevalence of DS use among breast cancer survivors and the potential risk of interactions with prescribed hormonal therapy. More research is needed to test if counseling from a RD, CSO can reduce DS use and ultimately lead to better outcomes due to fewer interactions with breast cancer treatments. Citation Format: ThaiHien Nguyen, Maura Harrigan, Courtney Mcgowan, Annette Hood, Fangyong Li, Brenda Cartmel, Leah Ferrucci, Melinda L Irwin, Tara Sanft. Dietary supplement use in a healthy eating and exercise lifestyle intervention in breast cancer survivors: The lifestyle exercise and nutrition (LEAN) study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS8-09.

QualFatigue study: which factors influence the use of specific interventions for breast cancer survivors with fatigue? A cross-sectional exploratory study.

International guidelines recommend specific interventions to reduce cancer-related fatigue (CRF). Evidence suggests underutilization of these interventions among breast cancer survivors. The QualFatigue study aimed to explore the potential factors influencing the use of specific interventions, for relief, in patients with CRF through qualitative analyses. Patients with stage I-III breast cancer, and CRF ≥4 on a 10-point numerical scale were recruited within 6-24 months at the end of their primary treatment. Semi-structured interviews were performed. Emergent themes were identified using a stepped content analysis (QDA Miner software). Data saturation was achieved with 15 interviews. Four main themes emerged as potential sources of influence in the participants' use of specific interventions: (1) expectations regarding the management of CRF, (2) representations of the benefits provided by the interventions, (3) individual physical and psychological conditions, and (4) social and environmental situations. Six key levers came out transversally to optimize the use of specific interventions to relieve CRF: (1) listening and recognition of the individual difficulties and needs; (2) individual and global health assessments; (3) information and advice on how to manage CRF; (4) discussion groups focused on the management of CRF; (5) group activities; and (6) professional and personalized guidance. This study calls for multi-level action to address many persistent barriers and exploit levers in the management of CRF.

A randomised controlled trial comparing internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) with and without main carer access versus treatment-as-usual for depression and anxiety among breast cancer survivors: Study protocol

BackgroundDepression and anxiety are common problems among breast cancer survivors. Carer support is one of the most important determinants of women's psychological wellbeing. Survivors' distress can be alleviated by giving carers access to survivors' evidence-based treatment, which will help carers understand what survivors have been going through and help survivors feel more supported. Given the limited access to evidence-based treatments, an adapted internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) intervention for breast cancer survivors, but also open for carers' access, has the potential to decrease survivors' depression and anxiety symptoms and improve cancer-related communication and relationship quality between survivors and carers. ObjectivesThis study evaluates (1) the effectiveness of a guided iCBT intervention for depression and/or anxiety symptoms among breast cancer survivors with and without main carer access, and (2) the acceptability and satisfaction with the iCBT programme. MethodIn this pilot study comparing the effectiveness of an adapted 7-week iCBT without main carer access against the iCBT with main carer access and treatment-as-usual control, 108 breast cancer survivors will be recruited and then randomised to either (1) treatment (n = 72) or (2) treatment-as-usual control group (n = 36) with a 2:1 ratio. The participants in the treatment group will be assigned to either iCBT alone or iCBT with the main carer also having access to the same content based on their preference. The primary outcome measure is the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and alongside secondary measures such as Cancer-Related Quality of Life, Breast Cancer Worry Scale, Brief COPE, and Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey will be completed by the survivors at baseline, post-treatment, and 2-month follow-up. Survivors who have carers will also complete Survivor-Carer Cancer Communication and Relationship Quality measures to provide insights into the effects of carer access. To assess the acceptability and satisfaction with the programme, survivors and their main carers will fill out the Helpful Aspects of Therapy Form (HAT) and Satisfaction with Online Treatment (SAT). Programme effectiveness and the effects of carer access on primary and secondary outcome measures will be evaluated on intention-to-treat and per-protocol basis using Linear-Mixed-Models. DiscussionThis is the first trial comparing the effectiveness and acceptability of iCBT with and without carer access for depression and anxiety among breast cancer survivors. The findings of this study will provide novel data on the acceptability of iCBT programmes for breast cancer survivors and the impact of carer access on them and their carers.

Quality of Life Interventions in Breast Cancer Survivors: State of the Art in Targeted Rehabilitation Strategies

Quality of Life Interventions in Breast Cancer Survivors: State of the Art in Targeted Rehabilitation Strategies

Effectiveness and meaningfulness of breast cancer survivorship and peer support for improving the quality of life of immigrant women: A mixed methods systematic review protocol

ObjectiveThe objective of this review is to assess the effectiveness and meaningfulness of breast cancer peer survivorship and support group in improving the quality of life of immigrant adults. IntroductionImmigrant women use fewer follow-up and peer support services following treatment for breast cancer than people who have not recently immigrated to a new country. Review questionsThis JBI convergent segregated approach to a mixed methods systematic review will address the following review questions. What is the impact of survivorship and peer support groups on improving the quality of life for immigrant women survivors? What is the impact of acculturated interventions for breast cancer survivors to improve quality of life? Inclusion criteriaThe inclusion criteria include immigrant women who have completed their initial course of breast cancer treatment. The exclusion criteria include non-immigrant - women and men (above 18 years) who are not diagnosed with breast cancer, or currently undergoing active or advanced treatment, or end of life care. MethodsThe proposed systematic review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for mixed methods systematic reviews. The search strategy will include qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research reports published in academic journals and a grey literature search for unpublished research reports. A mixed method integrated approach to synthesis and integration will be used. Findings of method synthesis will be configured according to JBI methodology convergent segregated mixed methods systematic review. Systematic review registration numberRegistration of title in PROSPERO 2020: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#loginpage.

Exploring Interactive Survivorship Care Plans to Support Breast Cancer Survivors: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundBreast cancer is the most common form of cancer among American women, accounting for 23% of all cancer survivors nationally. Yet, the availability of adequate resources and tools for supporting breast cancer survivors has not kept up with the rapid advancement in treatment options, resulting in unmet supportive care needs, particularly among low-income and minority populations. This study explores an alternative means of delivering breast cancer survivorship care plans (SCPs), with the aim of improving survivor morbidity, patient knowledge, and self-management of treatment-related symptoms, as well as addressing inconsistencies in follow-up care visits.ObjectiveThe overall goal of this study is to improve the uptake of SCP recommendations via an educational intervention for breast cancer survivors, to improve treatment-related morbidity, patient knowledge, self-management, and adherence to follow-up visits. The specific aims of the study are to (1) evaluate the feasibility of the online SCP, and (2) assess the impact of the online SCP on survivorship outcomes.MethodsWe will enroll 50 breast cancer survivors who have completed initial breast cancer treatment into a 2-armed, randomized, waitlist-controlled pilot trial, and collect data at baseline and 6 months. For the first aim, we will use mixed methods, including surveys and personal interviews among the intervention group, to determine the feasibility of providing an online, interactive SCP (called ACESO) based on the survivors’ online user experience and their short-term adoption. For the secondary aim, we will compare the 2 groups to assess the primary outcomes of survivor knowledge, self-efficacy for self-management, perceived peer support, and adherence to SCP-recommended posttreatment follow-up visits to oncology and primary care; and the secondary outcomes of treatment-related morbidity (body weight, fatigue, depression, anxiety, sexual function, distress, and sleep quality). We assess these outcomes by using measurements from validated instruments with robust psychometric properties.ResultsWe have developed and refined the online breast cancer survivorship plan, ACESO, with consultation from breast cancer oncologists, nurses, and survivors. Approval for the study protocol has been obtained from the Institutional Review Board. An advisory board has also been established to provide oversight and recommendations on the conduct of the study. The study will be completed over a period of 2 years.ConclusionsThe results of this pilot study will inform the feasibility and design of a larger-scale pragmatic trial to evaluate the impact of an online breast cancer SCP on treatment-related morbidity and self-efficacy for self-management.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/23414

The Effects of Lifestyle Modifications Including Dietary and Physical Interventions with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Quality of Life and Cancer-Recurrence Rate among Patients with Breast Cancer and Survivors: A Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial

Context: Lifestyle modifications consist of three components including diet, exercise, and cognitive-behavioral therapy which can reduce side effects of breast cancer. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a complementary strategy that promotes new skills for any treatment. Published trials have investigated the co-efficacies of the two or three components of lifestyle modifications, especially dietary and cognitive-behavioral interventions in breast cancer survivors. Evidence Acquisition: This protocol is about a meta-analysis which will systematically report the simultaneous effects of dietary intervention or physical activity with cognitive-behavioral therapy, or three of them on quality of life, the recurrence levels and anthropometric measurements among patients with breast cancer and survivors. It was prepared in accordance with the PRISMA-P checklist and will be performed in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic reviews of intervention. Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials, PubMed, EMBASE and ISI web of science will be searched for peer-reviewed literature using defined MeSH terms. Included randomized controlled trials on the combination effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy with either dietary or physical interventions will be assessed. Continuous data will be meta-analyzed using the STATA and will be gathered using random-effects models. The effect size will be reported as standardized mean difference with 95%CIs. Heterogeneity assessment, publication bias, and sensitivity analysis will be performed. The heterogeneity between some trials may be a limitation of this study. Conclusions: This meta-analysis will provide beneficial guidance for healthcare providers and family members to improve the current understanding of the role of lifestyle modification on alleviating the important problems of patients with breast cancer.

A Web-Streamed Yoga Intervention for Breast Cancer Survivors.

Current research indicates that structured yoga practice may improve physical and emotional symptoms related to cancer treatment. Yoga is recommended for patients with cancer, yet there are barriers to participation in community- and hospital-based classes. Wellness interventions such as yoga are easy to access via the internet, but information can be overwhelming and not tailored to people with cancer. The purpose of this study was to develop a nurse-led, breast cancer-specific, web-based gentle yoga video for home use, and to understand the feasibility, utilization, and safety of the video in a sample of breast cancer survivors. Data was collected via open-ended telephone interviews three times over a 4-week period. The 14 women participating in the study reported that the web-based video was safe in that it resulted in no injury, and was easy to use, and convenient to access. However, most did not continue to practice the video for the full 4 weeks of the study. A knowledge deficit about gentle yoga as a structured mindful movement-based practice rather than a vigorous exercise was identified. Nurses can provide tailored wellness interventions for cancer survivors via video stream. Future work should include instruction that yoga is a mindfulness-based self-care activity requiring regular practice.

Crying Therapy Intervention for Breast Cancer Survivors: Development and Effects.

Background: crying therapy is currently being applied in some countries to treat cancer patients, manage pain, and promote mental health. However, little nursing and medical research on the effects of crying therapy has been conducted in other parts of the world. This study aimed to develop a crying therapy program for breast cancer survivors and assess its effects. Interventions/method: data from 27 breast cancer survivors in South Korea were analyzed. The intervention, employing a single group, pre-post-test quasi-experimental design, was divided into three phases, and effects were verified for emotional (distress, fatigue, and mood conditions) and physiological (cortisol, immunoglobulin G, and blood pressure) variables. Results: there were significant changes in distress, mood changes, and immunoglobulin G and smaller changes in blood pressure postintervention. Fatigue and cortisol showed no significant changes. Conclusions: this study demonstrated the effectiveness of a short-term crying therapy program that can induce positive emotional changes and physiological effects in breast cancer survivors. This intervention can improve quality of life, indicating its value as a self-care program for cancer survivors.

Concurrent Exercise Interventions in Breast Cancer Survivors with Cancer-related Fatigue.

This study compared the effects of two supervised concurrent training interventions in breast cancer survivors with cancer-related fatigue at baseline. Twenty-three female breast cancer survivors (50±8 years) were randomized to a high- (n=13) or a moderate-intensity (n=10) training program. Both interventions lasted 16 weeks and included the same resistance exercises, but the aerobic component was supervised and more intense in the former (i.e., rating of perceived exertion of 7-8 vs. 6 on a 1-10 scale for the high and moderate-intensity intervention, respectively). The primary endpoint was fatigue perception. Endpoints were assessed at baseline and after 16 weeks. The p-value for statistical significance was set at 0.004 after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. The high-intensity training program increased lower-limb muscle strength significantly (p=0.002) and tended to improve fatigue perception (p=0.006), waist circumference (p=0.013), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (p=0.028) and some quality of life items (p=0.011). Although the moderate-intensity training program did not provide such benefits in general (i.e., higher p-values for pre vs post-intervention comparisons), no significant differences were found between interventions (all p>0.004). Further research is needed to elucidate if the benefits provided by high-intensity concurrent training are superior to those elicited by moderate-intensity training in breast cancer survivors.

Abstract C123: Ethnocentric differences in sarcopenic obesity and body composition in response to an aerobic and resistance exercise intervention for breast cancer survivors

Abstract Background and Purpose: Hispanic breast cancer survivors (HBCS) have a 1.1-1.5 greater risk of breast cancer mortality when compared to non-Hispanic breast cancer survivors (NHBCS). This disparity may result from modifiable lifestyle factors, as Hispanic women are more apt to be obese and sedentary than matched non-Hispanic counterparts, placing them at risk for obesity-related comorbidities. Also, gains in fat mass with declines in lean mass, known as sarcopenic obesity (SOb), often occur as a side effect of cancer treatment. Thus, participation in physical activity is paramount, as exercise is strongly associated with lowering the risk of cancer recurrence and premature mortality. The purpose of this analysis was to examine ethnicity as a moderator of the effects of a 16-week supervised aerobic and resistance exercise intervention on SOb and body composition (BCM) in overweight/obese breast cancer survivors. Experimental Design: Sedentary, overweight or obese (BMI>25.0 kg/m2) breast cancer survivors (Stage I-III; n=100) were randomized to exercise (n=50) or usual care (n=50). The exercise intervention promoted supervised, progressive moderate-vigorous (65-85% maximum heart rate [MHR]) aerobic and resistance exercise thrice weekly for 16 weeks. Markers of SOB and BCM, including appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI), BMI, % body fat and truncal fat were measured at baseline and post-intervention (4 months). Differences in mean changes for outcomes by ethnicity were evaluated using linear mixed-models to assess effect modification. Summary of Results: The study enrolled 57 HBCS and 43 NHBCS with an average age of 53.5±10.4 years and BMI of 33.5±5.5 kg/m2. HBCS were diagnosed with more advanced cancers, were significantly more obese and less physically active compared to NHBCS (p<0.001); 96% of the HBCS and 92% of the NHBCS presented with SOb. Post-intervention, SOb and BCM indices were significantly improved in the exercise arm (both HBCS and NHBCS) as compared to baseline (p 0.01) and usual care (p<0.001). However, HBCS exhibited more favorable improvements compared to NHBCS, including an increase in ASMI (mean difference, -2.1; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.4 to 5.1; p<0.001) and truncal fat (-4.4; 95% CI, -9.1 to -0.8; p<0.001). Ethnicity was found to moderate the effect of the exercise intervention on fat mass (P for interaction=0.09) and % body fat (P for interaction=0.09). Conclusions: HBCS may achieve better outcomes with exercise in attenuating disparities related to SOb and BCM. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate ethnocentric differences between HBCS and NHBCS as they pertain to participation in physical activity and high-risk comorbidities related to poorer cancer prognosis and mortality. Exercise presents as a useful lifestyle modifiable intervention to attenuate ethnic health disparities in breast cancer survivors; future studies should aim to enroll diverse populations. Citation Format: Frank C. Sweeney, Wendy Demark-Wahnefried, Kerry S. Courneya, Debu Tripathy, Nathalie Sami, Kyuwan Lee, Thomas A. Buchanan, Darcy Spicer, Leslie Bernstein, Joanne E. Mortimer, Christina M. Dieli-Conwright. Ethnocentric differences in sarcopenic obesity and body composition in response to an aerobic and resistance exercise intervention for breast cancer survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2018 Nov 2-5; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl):Abstract nr C123.

Therapeutic Physical Exercise Post-Treatment in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Advances achieved in diagnosis and improvements in treatment for breast cancer have resulted in a favourable survival rate. Therapeutic physical exercise (TPE) is presented as an intervention strategy that seeks to improve the functional capabilities of the subject. To analyse if clinical practice guidelines recommend therapeutic physical exercise to reduce the adverse effects of treatment in breast cancer survivors, and on what level of scientific evidence are these recommendations based. This systematic review was prepared by searching nine electronic databases to identify eligible studies. Thirteen met the criteria for inclusion. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) scale was used to analyse the quality of Clinical Practice Guideline (CPGs). The percentages obtained ranged between 30.07% and 75.70%. Specifically, the highest degree of evidence could be found in the application of TPE to offset adverse effects leading to effects such as: an increase in the quality of life, fatigue reduction, and reduction in body weight alterations. TPE is presented as an optimal intervention strategy to alleviate the negative effects that patients with breast cancer suffer as a result of the treatments received. The level of evidence that supports this claim is very strong for the majority of the side effects analysed. However, this evidence is not always included in the clinical practice guidelines.

The Effects of Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Interventions on Symptom Management and Quality of Life among Breast Cancer Survivors Undergoing Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy: A Systematic Review.

Breast cancer survivors need to undergo adjuvant endocrine therapy after completion of curative treatments to prevent disease recurrence. These individuals often experience symptoms which are detrimental to their quality of life (QOL). Implementation of interventions for effective symptom management among these survivors is warranted. This review provides an overview of studies on the effectiveness of the previously developed interventions for breast cancer survivors undergoing adjuvant endocrine therapy on symptom alleviation and enhancement of QOL or health-related QOL (HRQOL). Five electronic databases were employed in the literature search. Study selection, data extraction and critical appraisal of the included studies were conducted by three authors independently. Twenty-four studies were included. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions are effective in addressing the symptoms associated with adjuvant endocrine therapy among the breast cancer survivors, and in improving their QOL, although discrepancies were noted between the studies in terms of the significance of these effects. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions can be effective for symptom management among breast cancer survivors. Their implementation is recommended for effective survivorship care for these individuals. Further research on intervention development for breast cancer survivors is recommended to provide further evidence for the utility of the explored interventions in survivorship care for these patients.

Corrigendum to: Analysis of quality of life in breast cancer survivors using structural equation modelling: the role of spirituality, social support and psychological well-being.

Background To explore and characterize the inter-relationship between psychological well-being, spirituality, social support, comorbidity, demographic and lifestyle factors and quality of life (QoL). Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted with 305 breast cancer survivors in northern Iran in 2017. The demographic and socio-economic data and physical activity were measured with a standard questionnaire. The standard European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 QoL scale, a system-of-belief inventory questionnaire, the social support scale, the short form of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the fatigue severity scale (FSS) were used in data collection. In structural equation modelling analysis, we used the maximum likelihood procedure to estimate the direct and indirect effects of relevant factors on QoL. Results The median age (quartile 1 [Q1], quartile 3 [Q3]) of patients was 50 y (43, 55). The psychological factors designated by anxiety, depression and FSS had a negative significant direct effect on QoL (β=-0.62). Spirituality has a positive direct effect (β=0.089) but a negligible indirect effect (β=0.020) on QoL, while the direct association of social support was almost negligible. Conclusions The findings emphasized the unifying structure of the determinants of QoL and the mediating negative association of psychological factors with QoL. Thus the supportive education efforts should focus on improving psychological well-being along with standard treatment in breast cancer survivors.

Emerging From the Haze: A Multicenter, Controlled Pilot Study of a Multidimensional, Psychoeducation-Based Cognitive Rehabilitation Intervention for Breast Cancer Survivors Delivered With Telehealth Conferencing

ObjectiveTo quantify the effect of a psychoeducation-based cognitive rehabilitation intervention on breast cancer survivors’ self-report of cognitive function and investigate the feasibility of accrual, adherence, and multisite program delivery using secure telehealth conferencing. DesignProspective, nonblinded, wait-list controlled pilot study. SettingNonprofit academic medical center and university medical center with associated community practice affiliates. ParticipantsAdult female survivors of stage I-III breast cancer reporting cognitive complaints 2 months to 5 years after chemotherapy (N=61). Ongoing endocrine and/or anti-HER-2 therapy was allowed. Patients were excluded for history of other conditions involving impaired cognitive function. Combination referred and volunteered sample. In total, 107 women were screened, 61 consented, and 52 analyzed. No attrition due to adverse events. Group allocation was based on consent timing and next scheduled cohort to minimize wait time for wait-list controls. InterventionPsychoeducation-based cognitive rehabilitation intervention delivered in a group setting during 6 weekly 2.5-hour classes. Included presentation, class exercises, discussion, and homework exercises. Provided in-person and virtually by Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliant and encrypted telehealth conferencing. Main Outcome MeasuresPrimary: self-report of perceived cognitive function (PCF) was compared between the intervention group (n=27) and wait-list controls (n=28) with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognition perceived cognitive impairment subscale. Secondary: feasibility for multisite delivery via teleconferencing was measured by total accrual, percent adherence to 4 of the 6 weeks of content, and participant satisfaction ratings. ResultsThe intervention group demonstrated improvement in PCF both at the conclusion of the intervention and 1 month later (P<.01). Within-group improvement in PCF was maintained at 6 and 12 months (P<.01). ConclusionThese study results provide further preliminary evidence of the efficacy of psychoeducation-based cognitive rehabilitation as an intervention for decreased PCF in breast cancer survivors with cognitive complaints after chemotherapy. Feasibility for accrual, adherence, and participant satisfaction with secure telehealth conferencing was demonstrated. These positive pilot study results will inform future work.

Pre-post analysis of a social capital-based exercise adherence intervention for breast cancer survivors with moderate fatigue: a randomized controlled trial.

This study assessed the effectiveness of the Better Life After Cancer: Energy, Strength, and Support (BLESS) program, a 12-week social capital-based exercise adherence program for breast cancer survivors (BCS), regarding cancer-related fatigue (CRF), quality of life (QOL), physical activity, and psychosocial characteristics. Forty-eight BCS with moderate or high (≥ 4) CRF participated in this randomized control trial (intervention group n = 23, control group n = 25). The intervention group participated in small group sessions to activate social capital while targeting CRF in supervised physical exercises supplemented by home-based physical exercises. The control group was only given written information on exercise. A questionnaire was used to assess CRF, QOL, physical activity, depression, anxiety, sleep quality, and social capital. The majority of participants had undergone surgery less than 2years ago. After participating in BLESS, the CRF behavioral/severity domain significantly decreased (t = 2.642, p = 0.011) and physical activity significantly increased (t = - 2.049, p = 0.046) in the intervention group, in comparison with the control group; there were no significant post-intervention differences in the control group. Both groups showed improvements in sleep quality, depression, anxiety, and QOL. The BLESS program decreased behavioral/severity in the CRF and increased physical activity after 12weeks among BCS. Future research needs to evaluate whether the promising results on physical activity and behavioral fatigue observed in the short term will persist over time. Also, longer-term effects should be examined.

Protocol for the Optimune trial: a randomized controlled trial evaluating a novel Internet intervention for breast cancer survivors

IntroductionDepression and fatigue are common in breast cancer survivors, and their presence is associated with personal suffering and worse prognosis. While many women receive short-term psychological support in the acute treatment phase, this is rarely available in subsequent phases. Internet interventions for breast cancer survivors could provide additional psychological support, as they are easily accessible and may be effective. However, no trial has yet examined the effectiveness of an Internet intervention that provides cognitive behavioural therapy techniques plus lifestyle advice for this population. This trial aims to test whether Optimune, a novel Internet intervention we developed for that purpose, leads to improvements in quality of life and relevant lifestyle habits over the course of 3 to 6 months.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial (RCT) will include 360 female breast cancer survivors who have completed the active tumour eradication phase. Participants will be recruited from various settings, including web-based advertisements and Internet forums in German-speaking countries. The main inclusion criteria are a breast cancer diagnosis less than 5 years ago and completion of acute treatment at least 1 month ago, as verified by discharge letter from an oncology treatment centre. Participants will be randomly assigned to either (1) a control group, in which they receive care as usual (CAU) and are given access to Optimune after a delay of 3 months (CAU/wait list control), or (2) a treatment group that may also use CAU and will receive 12-month access to Optimune immediately after randomization. The three primary endpoints are quality of life, physical activity and diet quality, assessed with the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Food Quality Questionnaire, at 3 months post-baseline; secondary outcomes include cancer-related fatigue, emotional stress, depression, anxiety, fear of progression, insomnia, usefulness of the programme and negative treatment effects. Online assessments are conducted at baseline (T0), 3 months (T1) and 6 months (T2).DiscussionResults of this RCT are expected to extend the body of knowledge with regard to the effectiveness of CBT-based Internet interventions for female breast cancer survivors.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03643640. Registered on 23 August 2018.

Analysis of quality of life in breast cancer survivors using structural equation modelling: the role of spirituality, social support and psychological well-being

BackgroundTo explore and characterize the inter-relationship between psychological well-being, spirituality, social support, comorbidity, demographic and lifestyle factors and quality of life (QoL).MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted with 305 breast cancer survivors in northern Iran in 2017. The demographic and socio-economic data and physical activity were measured with a standard questionnaire. The standard European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 QoL scale, a system-of-belief inventory questionnaire, the social support scale, the short form of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the fatigue severity scale (FSS) were used in data collection. In structural equation modelling analysis, we used the maximum likelihood procedure to estimate the direct and indirect effects of relevant factors on QoL.ResultsThe median age (quartile 1 [Q1], quartile 3 [Q3]) of patients was 50 y (43, 55). The psychological factors designated by anxiety, depression and FSS had a negative significant direct effect on QoL (β=−0.62). Spirituality has a positive direct effect (β=0.089) but a negligible indirect effect (β=0.020) on QoL, while the direct association of social support was almost negligible.ConclusionsThe findings emphasized the unifying structure of the determinants of QoL and the mediating negative association of psychological factors with QoL. Thus the supportive education efforts should focus on improving psychological well-being along with standard treatment in breast cancer survivors.