Arch, J.J., & Mitchell, J.L. (2016). An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) group intervention for cancer survivors experiencing anxiety at re-entry. Psycho-Oncology, 25, 610–615.
To test the hypothesis that an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) group intervention would reduce anxiety and increase positive outcomes among cancer survivors at the re-entry phase
Groups were facilitated by a trained clinical psychologist and oncology social worker and provided in seven weekly two-hour sessions. Participants were assisted in cultivating awareness and acceptance of thoughts and emotions about cancer, disentangling from rigid thoughts and beliefs, clarifying personal values, and committing to pursue activities aligned with those values through experiential exercises, metaphors, discussion, and homework. Study outcomes were measured at 3.5, 2, and 0.5 weeks baseline prior to the intervention, midintervention, one week following the last session, and three months after the last session.
PHASE OF CARE: Transition phase after active treatment
Quasiexperimental
Anxiety declined following the intervention at immediate postmeasurement (p < 0.001) and three-month follow-up (p < 0.001). Depression symptoms also declined after the intervention (p < 0.001) and at three-month follow-up (p < 0.001). Fear of cancer recurrence decreased (p < 0.05) and at follow-up (p = 0.001).
The findings suggest that the group ACT intervention can help reduce anxiety and depression at healthcare re-entry among cancer survivors.
The group psychotherapy approach used here may be helpful to patients who are suffering from anxiety and/or depression after completion of initial treatment for cancer. Further research is needed.
Arbabi-Kalati, F., Arbabi-Kalati, F., & Moridi, T. (2013). Evaluation of the effect of low level laser on prevention of chemotherapy-induced mucositis. Acta Medica Iranica, 51, 157–162.
To evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy for prevention of chemotherapy-induced mucositis and xerostomia
Patients were randomized to receive the laser or sham procedure. The laser group had laser therapy prior to each episode of chemotherapy with a 630-nm laser with a dose of 5 J/cm2. Patients in the sham control group underwent procedures with the laser unit turned off. All patients received the same instruction for ongoing oral care and underwent mucous and salivary health assessment by an oral medicine specialist prior to beginning chemotherapy, after two weeks, and then every two weeks until the end of chemotherapy treatment. Severity of pain, mucositis, and xerostomia was assessed at these times, and observers were blinded to patients’ study group assignments. Data were collected for 14 weeks.
This was a single-site, outpatient study conducted in Iran.
Patients were undergoing the active antitumor treatment phase of care.
This was a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study.
In the laser group, over the course of the study, 8.3% of patients experienced grade 2 mucositis and none experienced a higher grade of mucositis, compared to 91.6% of patients in the control group who developed grade 2 or higher mucositis (p = 0.001). By week two, xerostomia intensity was significantly lower in the laser group than the control group (p < 0.005). Across all time points, pain intensity in the laser group was significantly lower (p = 0.001). Difference in pain was substantial, with a mean of 0.7 in the laser group compared to 6.8 in the control group at week 2. The magnitude of these differences in pain intensity was large at all study assessment times.
Findings showed that provision of low-level laser treatment was effective in preventing chemotherapy-induced mucositis, xerostomia, and associated pain.
The results here support the effectiveness of low-level laser treatment for prevention of chemotherapy-induced mucositis. The actual number of laser treatments given was not clear. One of the difficulties in evaluating laser evidence for prevention of mucositis is the different treatment schedules and doses used in the research. Further research to identify the most effective laser dosages and schedules would be helpful to facilitate clinical translation of this evidence.
Arakawa, S. (1997). Relaxation to reduce nausea, vomiting, and anxiety induced by chemotherapy in Japanese patients. Cancer Nursing, 20, 342-349.
To evaluate the use of progressive muscle relaxation training in the management of nausea, vomiting, and anxiety induced by chemotherapy
The experimental group received training that consisted of tensing and releasing 16 muscle groups and breathing deeply for a total of 25 minutes. Each subject was provided with an audiotape and instructed to practice independently twice daily before meals or two hours afterward. The investigator met with the control group for 15 minutes per day to discuss concerns.
This study was conducted at a 415-bed, hospital-based cancer center in Japan.
The study was a randomized pretest, post-test control group design with repeated measures.
The Rhodes Index of Nausea and Vomiting-Form 2 (Japanese version) and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used. Reliability and validity were described in depth.
Progressive muscle relaxation may contribute to a reduction in delayed nausea and vomiting. This study did confirm the usefulness of progressive muscle relaxation in decreasing the incidence of vomiting. Progressive muscle relaxation decreased subjective feelings of anxiety.
Arai, Y.C., Matsubara, T., Shimo, K., Suetomi, K., Nishihara, M., Ushida, T., . . . Arakawa, M. (2010). Low-dose gabapentin as useful adjuvant to opioids for neuropathic cancer pain when combined with low-dose imipramine. Journal of Anesthesia, 24, 407–410.
To determine if low-dose gabapentin, combined with low-dose imipramine, is effective in treating cancer-related neuropathic pain
Patients were randomly assigned to one of four groups. Patients in group 1 received gabapentin 200 mg and imipramine 10 mg every 12 hours. Patients in group 2 received gabapentin 200 mg every 12 hours. Patients in group 3 received gabapentin 400 mg every 12 hours. Patients in group 4 received imipramine 10 mg every 12 hours. Pain assessment occurred at baseline and at seven days after the start of medication. Opioid rescue medication was available as needed. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were continued if used. No other pain medication changes were made.
The study was a randomized, prospective, parallel-group trial.
Numeric rating scale (NRS), 0–10, to measure pain
Compared to baseline scores, scores relating to low-dose gabapentin-imipramine showed that the combination significantly decreased pain and daily pain episodes (p < 0.05). Compared to the other treatments, gabapentin-imipramine was the most effective (p < 0.001). The drug combination was associated with decreased doses of rescue opioids. Only the scores of the group treated with low-dose gabapentin-imipramine showed a significant reduction in pain.
The combination of low-dose gabapentin and imipramine was effective in reducing neuropathic pain.
The use of a combination of low-dose gabapentin and imipramine, as adjuvant analgesia, can improve pain control in patients with neuropathic pain. This study demonstrates that neither of these drugs alone, in different dosages, effected the improvement. Note that this study does not establish long-term efficacy or side effects.
Arai, Y.C., Matsubara, T., Shimo, K., Suetomi, K., Nishihara, M., Ushida, T., . . . Arakawa, M. (2010). Low-dose gabapentin as useful adjuvant to opioids for neuropathic cancer pain when combined with low-dose imipramine. Journal of Anesthesia, 24, 407–410.
To evaluate the effectiveness of low-dose gabapentin combined with imipramine, in treating cancer-related neuropathic pain
Patients were allocated to four groups. Group 1, consisting of 14 patients, received gabapentin 200 mg and imipramine 10 mg orally every 12 hours; Group 2, consisting of 14 patients, received gabapentin 200 mg orally every 12 hours; Group 3, consisting of 12 patients, received gabapentin 400 mg orally every 12 hours; and Group 4, consisting of 12 patients, received imipramine 10 mg orally every 12 hours. The average intensity of total pain over the past 12 hours was assessed, and the number of paroxysmal pain episodes in the past 24 hours were recorded. Pain was assessed at the first visit and seven days after the beginning of the regimen. Opioid rescue doses were available if needed.
Randomized, controlled trial
Pain was measured on a numeric scale, 1–10.
The total pain scores and daily paroxysmal pain episodes of the patients taking the low-dose gabapentin-imipramine combination (Group 1) decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The combination significantly decreased the previous 24-hour opioid rescue dose. Researchers observed mild adverse symptoms in all four groups. Symptoms included drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea. Note: Three patients dropped out of Group 3 because of adverse effects.
The combination of gabapentin and imipramine in low doses offers a means of successfully treating neuropathic pain, with minimal side effects.
The gabapentin-imipramine combination is effective in treating neuropathic pain caused by nerve compression or invasion of the spinal cord.
Arafa, M.E.A., & Hassan, M. (2013). Psychoeducational program for breast cancer survivors, effect on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life. Egyptian Journal of Psychiatry, 34, 25–33.
To evaluate the efficacy of the psychoeducational program in alleviating cancer-related fatigue and mood symptoms, and improving quality of life among breast cancer survivors
Case control study
The four-week psychoeducational program improved fatigue and quality of life after radiation therapy in patients with breast cancer.
The intervention may be taught by trained nurses and can be part of a routine supportive care at very low additional costs for healthcare systems.
Arbabi-Kalati, F., Arbabi-Kalati, F., Deghatipour, M., & Ansari Moghadam, A. (2012). Evaluation of the Efficacy of Zinc Sulfate in the Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Mucositis: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial, Archives of Iranian Medicine, 15(7), 413-417.
To evaluate the effects of oral zinc sulfate on prevention of mucositis, xerostomia, and pain induced by chemotherapy.
Patients were divided by block randomization into two groups of zinc sulfate and placebo. Patients were informed about oral hygiene and associated care. Patients in the intervention group took three 220 mg zinc sulfate capsules daily until the end of chemotherapy treatment. The placebo group took three placebo capsules that were similar in shape, taste, and color to the zinc sulfate capsules. Randomized divisions and zinc sulfate drug prescription of patients were carried out by patients’ oncologists. Patients' mucous and salivary health was checked by an oral medicine specialist and dental student prior to the initiation of chemotherapy, two weeks after initiation of chemotherapy, and every two weeks until the end of chemotherapy. The specialist and dental student were blinded to the randomization and treatment.
The study was comprised of 50 adult patients over the age of 18.
MALES 52%, FEMALES 48%
OTHER KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: Inclusion criteria were chemotherapy treatment by a regimen with the same mucositis probability, including cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, dacarbazine, gemcitabine, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil. Exclusion criteria included previous or simultaneous radiotherapy in the head and neck region, including the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and larynx, previous head and neck surgery due to malignancy, use of dentures, pregnancy, and infection.
SITE: Single site
LOCATION: Oncology Department at Zahedan Imam Ali Hospital, Zahedan, Iran
PHASE OF CARE: Multiple phases of care
APPLICATIONS: Late effects and survivorship elderly care, end-of-life and palliative care
A double-blind, randomized study where subjects were divided by block randomization into two groups of zinc sulfate and placebo.
Xerostomia: Baseline of all patient’s salivary flows were within normal range, p = 0.13. At the first visit (during the second week of chemo), no significant differences in xerostomia were seen between groups p = 0.019. At the second visit (during the fourth week of chemo), the intensity of xerostomia in the drug group was less than the placebo, p < 0.005, and this trend continued in the 8th and 16th weeks of treatment. At the beginning of the study, none of the patients had symptoms of mucositis. During the frst, second, and third visits, there were no significant differences in mucositis intensity between groups. At weeks 8, 12, and 16 of chemo, there were significant differences between both groups. The intervention group had less intensity than the placebo group, p < 0.005. Regarding pain intensity from the third visit (wk 6 chemo) until the 10th visit (wk 20), there were significant differences between groups, indicating that pain intensity in the drug groups was less than in the placebo groups, p < 0.005.
Recovery: Mucosiits recovery period is the time interval between appearance of mucositis s/s and complete resolution. The recovery period was seven weeks and three days for the zinc treatment group and eight weeks for the placebo group, p = 0.13.
Xerostomia recovery period for xerostomia was from the time of appearance of the s/s and the complete resolution. Seven weeks in the placebo groups versus six weeks and five days in the zinc group, no significant difference was noted between the groups, p = 0.23.
The use of zinc sulfate was able to decrease the intensity of xerostomia, mucositis, and pain in patients that develop chemotherapy induced mucositis. There was no difference between the incidence of mucositis or delay in developing mucositis between the zinc sulfate and placebo group. The recovery period for xerostomia to complete resolution was not statistically significant between groups.
The use of zinc sulfate might decrease the intensity of mucositis, which could help with patient compliance with treatment, affect weight loss from poor nutrition, and decrease the need for hydration.
Aquino-Parsons, C., Lomas, S., Smith, K., Hayes, J., Lew, S., Bates, A. T., & Macdonald, A. G. (2010). Phase III study of silver leaf nylon dressing vs standard care for reduction of inframammary moist desquamation in patients undergoing adjuvant whole breast radiation therapy. Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, 41, 215–221.
To evaluate the use of silver leaf nylon dressings as a prophylactic measure to reduce inframammary fold radiation therapy (RT)–induced dermatitis in women receiving adjuvant whole-breast RT compared with standard skin care. The secondary objective was to evaluate if the dressing influenced breast skin–related pain, itching, and burning resulting from whole-breast RT.
Patients were randomized during their first week of RT using a random numbers table after stratification for prior anthracycline-based chemotherapy and duration of RT: short course (42.5 Gy/16 fractions) or extended course (45-50 Gy/25-28 fractions).
Control Arm (n = 103): Standard skin care recommendations included avoiding skin irritants, promoting clean skin using nonalkaline, unscented soap and water and patting skin dry, and maintaining skin hydration with twice daily (BID) application of moisturizing cream (patients chose which brand of cream they used). Pruritis or brisk erythema was managed with topical steroids. Moist desquamation was treated with BID saline compresses and hydrogel or silvadene cream.
Experimental Arm (n = 93): Patients were supplied with dressings, sterile water, a cotton bra in the correct size, gauze, hypoallergenic tape, printed instructions, and teaching performed by RT therapists to show patients how to wear the dressing before day six of RT. Sterile water was used to moisten the dressing before applying it to the inframammary fold with gauze to cover it. This was held in place with the cotton bra and was to be worn 24 hours per day but removed for RT and bathing. The dressing was worn from day 6 of RT until 14 days after completion of whole-breast RT. Women in this arm also received standard skin care instruction. Patients were assessed one week before the last treatment, on the final day of treatment, and one week posttreatment (the time period when RT-induced dermatitis was likely to have appeared in the inframammary fold). Subjective and objective assessments of radiodermatitis in the inframammary fold were performed at these time points.
Canada: The British Columbia Cancer Agency
Patients were undergoing the active treatment phase of care.
The study was a randomized, controlled trial.
The use of silver leaf nylon dressings as a prophylactic measure did not show benefit in reducing the degree of acute inframammary fold radiodermatitis in women receiving adjuvant whole-breast RT.
The prophylactic use of silver leaf nylon dressings decreased the patient-reported symptom of itching on the last day of RT and one week after completion of whole-breast RT. Dressings can provide patient comfort, and the use of dressings is supported perhaps on a more individual per-case basis; however, the results did not demonstrate a significant benefit for prophylactic silver leaf dressing use.
Appling, S. E., Scarvalone, S., MacDonald, R., McBeth, M., & Helzlsouer, K. J. (2012). Fatigue in breast cancer survivors: the impact of a mind-body medicine intervention. Oncology Nursing Forum, 39, 278–286.
To evaluate a group-based mind-body medicine (MBM) program for its impact on fatigue persisting at least six months beyond completion of adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy treatment among breast cancer survivors.
A 10-week multimodal intervention was developed and pilot tested to address the needs of patients with breast cancer. Ten 1.5- to 2-hour weekly group sessions were held, with five to 10 breast cancer survivors per group. Techniques for cognitive restructuring, exercise, positive psychology and spirituality, yoga, nutrition, and alternative or complementary therapies were introduced sequentially at weekly intervals. Fatigue and mood were measured at baseline, the end of the intervention period, and two and six months postintervention.
The intervention was held at two sites in Maryland: an urban community hospital and a semi-rural county health department.
The study followed a quasiexperimental, pre-/posttest design.
Randomized, controlled studies should be conducted to confirm the efficacy of this program intervention. Nurses and interdisciplinary team members may help breast cancer survivors to reduce persistent fatigue through a multipronged programmatic approach focusing on stress reduction, cognitive-behavioral techniques to achieve positive change, nutrition, and physical activity.
Applebaum, A.J., & Breitbart, W. (2012). Care for the cancer caregiver: A systematic review. Palliative and Supportive Care, 1-22.
A systematic review was used.
Eight major categories of intervention were identified: psychoeducation, problem-solving/skill-building, supportive therapy, family/couples therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, complementary and alternative medicine, and existential therapy.
Psychoeducation: Six of nine studies in this category focused on the educational needs of the IC (primarily spouses) at the time of cancer diagnosis or in early-stage disease. Three of nine were targeted to IC/patient dyads with advanced cancer. The IC’s knowledge and ability to provide care was improved, and some studies illustrated positive changes in psychological correlates of caregiver burden as well as level of functional support offered to the patient and marital satisfaction.
Problem-solving/skill-building: Ten studies evaluated the impact of enhancing caregiver ability and confidence to provide care. The majority of studies focused on spouses/partners, one on mothers, and two did not specify the relationship between the IC and patient. Half of the studies provided the intervention to the IC alone, the others to an IC/patient dyad. Eight studies reported significant and positive effects on the psychological correlates of caregiver burden and problem-solving skills.
Supportive therapy: Eight studies evaluated the impact of in-person group therapy (in some studies supplemented by additional phone support), five were targeted to ICs of patients with advanced disease, and three were for ICs of all-stage patients. Five studies utilized groups comprised of ICs alone, and three included IC/patient dyads. Results were generally qualitative, but in those studies where outcomes related to psychological correlates of caregiver burden were measured, one study found improvements by ICs in perceived support and knowledge, and other studies found no significant changes.
Family/couples therapy: Eleven studies focused on interventions to improve communication and psychological functioning of the “couple/family” unit. Of the seven couples-focused studies, all noted improvements by ICs and patients in relationship quality, physical and psychological functioning, communication, and sexual satisfaction. In the four family interventions, significant improvements in psychosocial distress and coping skills were observed. One family-based study, focused on newly diagnosed patients with pediatric cancer, failed to demonstrate significant improvements in anxiety or traumatic stress levels.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy: Three studies focused on IC interventions using structured, multimodal interventions to impact sleep-wake disturbances, psychological distress, and negative reactions by ICs to patient-reported symptoms. Each study reported significantly positive outcomes postparticipation.
Interpersonal therapy: One study used a phone-based intervention to deliver interpersonal counseling to patients with breast cancer and their spouse caregivers over a six-week period. Significant improvements in depression and anxiety in both parties were reported.
Complementary and alternative medicine interventions: Two studies examined the impact of complementary and alternative medicine therapies. One studied an eight-week, nurse-delivered program of guided imagery, reflexology, and reminiscence therapy to patients and ICs, alternately in person and by phone, but the author collected no psychosocial outcome data. A second study compared massage therapy versus Healing Touch to manage anxiety, depression, fatigue, and subjective caregiver burden on ICs of patients undergoing stem cell transplantation. Significant improvements in anxiety, depression, and physical and emotional fatigue were reported in the subjects who received massage, but neither group noted improved perception of burden.
Existential therapy: One study examined the impact of participation in a theory-based, hope-focused activity on live-in ICs. Qualitative results from the small sample (n = 10) indicated perceived benefits by the participants, such as reframing goals for hope and the value of focusing and sharing their thoughts.
Of the 49 studies reviewed, 65% produced positive improvements in outcomes for ICs and patients, although specific statistical results and effect sizes were not reported. The authors noted that multiple studies did not collect outcome data sufficient to support full comparisons across all studies.
Overall, the body of these studies illustrated that a significant need exists among ICs for information on how to cope with not only their patient’s physical and psychosocial needs but their own as well. The studies that provided concrete skill-building and education (psychoeducational, problem-solving/skill-building, and cognitive-behavioral therapy) met these needs and demonstrated improved outcomes most clearly. Studies with interventions intended to manage psychosocial distress (supportive therapy, family/couples therapy, interpersonal therapy, and existential therapy) generally demonstrated qualitative data indicative of improvements in the psychological correlates of caregiver burden and improved communication, but fewer measured and reported quantitative outcome data allowing larger comparisons of short- or longer-term effectiveness.
The authors of two of the supportive therapy studies noted that during recruitment, ICs with higher baseline levels of psychosocial distress tended to decline participation; therefore, the recruited sample’s mean level of distress at study start was already low to moderate, leaving less opportunity to demonstrate statistically significant change.
A wide variety of interventions to support the educational and psychosocial needs of ICs have been explored, allowing nurses to provide or refer ICs and patients to therapies or structured programs that are best suited to their needs. Some of the interventions are within nursing scope of practice, such as massage, whereas others might require referral to a formal individual or group therapy provider. Structured intervention programs, such as those described in the cognitive-behavioral therapy studies, may be able to be replicated locally.